How Melindi Britz is using technology to help transform African education
Across Africa, women are leveraging technology to democratize education and create opportunities for future generations. One such leader is Melindi Britz, managing director of the Honoris Digital Division, whose journey and vision serve as a powerful example of the impact women in the field of Educational Technology (EdTech) can have in improving education.
Over her 18 years in education, Britz has worked in technology and education driving digital transformation. "I was with one of the world's largest online program management providers, working with the world's best universities and building out online education," Britz said.
Her work has helped make digital education more accessible and inclusive.
"We have integrated software training into our curriculum, particularly within the creative disciplines, and leveraged partnerships with organizations like Adobe to establish an inclusive digital learning ecosystem"
- Melindi Britz
Overcoming accessibility challenges
Implementing digital tools in education comes with its challenges, particularly with accessibility and digital literacy. Some students may not have access to computers or stable Internet connections. And they may have little experience working with computers and software. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges. Many students had to learn from home, where they had even fewer resources and less help to solve problems.
Britz has been instrumental in addressing these issues by creating digital learning portfolios optimized for low mobile data and offline consumption, and by leveraging partnerships to create an inclusive digital learning ecosystem.
"Ensuring students have access to relevant, accessible and affordable education that aligns with the evolving needs of potential employers is a core focus at Honoris"
Creative campuses and beyond
Female educational leaders like Britz are not just addressing current challenges. They are also pioneering future projects that will shape the landscape of education. Initiatives like developing Creative Campuses in Africa aim to prepare students for the modern workplace by providing them with the tools and experience they need to succeed. Additionally, online universities are widening access to quality education in Africa.
Within Honoris' creative curriculum, Fedisa/Red&Yellow/The Animation School, Adobe tools are integrated into every stage "We seek to empower the next generation of African leaders by widening access to quality education and by providing them with the skills and tools they need to succeed," Britz shares.
Britz envisions digital tools democratizing access to world-class education and fostering industry-standard skills and innovation. "Digital tools for us are democratizing access to world-class education. It's kind of breaking down those barriers and fostering innovation."
Leveraging mobile technology
Britz highlights the importance of mobile technology in advancing education and creating educational inclusion.
"The advancements in mobile technology have had the most significant impact, and these developments can similarly drive progress in education and skill development" she said.
"There is a massive skills gap in Africa, especially in soft skills such as creative thinking and STEM,” Britz said. “By responding to the continuous pace of innovation in the labor market, we have the opportunity to create well-rounded graduates who are ready for the workplace." This aligns with findings from the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, which highlights the significant potential for new job creation by 2030, emphasizing the crucial role of upskilling and accessible education in preparing the workforce for these opportunities.
Britz's advice for aspiring leaders
Women leaders in EdTech are driving educational innovation and making a lasting impact on the future of education in Africa. Britz's perseverance, innovation, and leadership are a powerful source of inspiration. She advises aspiring women leaders. "Believe in yourself and do it authentically in your own way. The power of your network is incredibly key as you move along in your career."
Honoris United Universities is the first and largest pan-African private higher education network committed to transforming lives through relevant education for lifetime success.
Our network consists of 16 institutions in beacon markets in Africa, including Tunisia, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, and Mauritius. Formed in 2017, Honoris now comprises a community of 100,000+ students on 76 campuses, learning centers, and online, in 26 cities, transforming over 1.2 million lives to date with a legacy of 250+ years of experience in education.
We live our core values of collaborative intelligence, cultural agility, and mobile mindsets through our mission of Education for Impact across the continent, whilst partnering with hundreds of International Employers, EdTech’s, Academic Institutions, and Foundations to support our focus on student success.
In 2022, Honoris was recognized as a New Champion by the World Economic Forum and was awarded the New Champions Award for Excellence in Adaptive Capacity. We are a proud member of the United Nations Global Compact, the private sector network for support of the SDGs.
Find out more and read about our pioneering impact in higher education in Africa.