Over the past decade, Enko Education has grown from a single school in Cameroon to a pan-African network of 16 institutions across 10 countries. Now, with a fresh $25 million capital injection and a series of strategic acquisitions, the edtech firm is positioning itself as a dominant force in Africa’s fragmented private education sector.
Founded in 2013 by Cyrille Nkontchou and Eric Pignot, Enko Education’s mission is to prepare African students for top global universities through internationally recognized curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge programs. Its model — combining rigorous academics with tailored university placement support — has seen 80% of its graduates secure spots at institutions such as Yale, Sciences Po, and the University of Toronto.
Enko Education ’s expansion has been fueled by an aggressive acquisition strategy, targeting well-established schools with strong local reputations. In 2023, it acquired Mali’s Kalanso 2 and Kodonso, two of Bamako’s most respected institutions. Earlier this year, it took over Senegal’s École Bilingue Avenir, a bilingual school known for its academic excellence.
“Our goal is to consolidate Africa’s fragmented K-12 market,” says Pignot, Enko’s CEO. “We look for schools with strong foundations that can be elevated into African international schools of choice.”
The company operates on a mix of outright acquisitions and management contracts, allowing it to scale rapidly while maintaining quality control. This approach has helped it grow from 3,500 students in 2022 to over 7,000 today, with ambitions to reach 20,000 by 2029.
A Warchest for Expansion
Enko’s latest $25 million funding round, led by Africa Capitalworks and Adiwale Partners, underscores investor confidence in its model. This follows a $5.8 million Series B in 2022 and earlier backing from development finance institutions like Proparco and Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P).
I&P, an early investor, exited in December 2024 after nearly a decade, marking a successful journey that saw Enko’s revenues grow 22-fold, , with its network achieving profitability in the 2020–2021 fiscal year. “We believed in Enko’s vision from the start,” says Jérémy Hajdenberg, co-CEO of I&P. “They’ve proven that a high-quality, inclusive education model can thrive in Africa.”
Beyond equity investments, Enko benefits from its founders’ ties to Enko Capital, a private equity firm that closed a $64 million fund in 2019. Though operationally separate, the connection provides additional financial flexibility.
Challenges and Competition
Despite its rapid growth, Enko faces hurdles. Africa’s private education sector remains highly competitive, with rivals like Nova Pioneer and Bridge International Academies also scaling. Additionally, currency risks, regulatory complexities, and the need for localized curricula pose ongoing challenges.
Yet, with Africa’s school-age population projected to hit 750 million by 2030, the opportunity is vast. Enko’s focus on affordability — 10% of students are on scholarships — and its strong university placement record give it an edge.
“We’re not just building schools,” says Nkontchou. “We’re building pathways to global opportunities for Africa’s youth.”
As Enko eyes further acquisitions in East and North Africa, its playbook is clear: leverage capital, consolidate markets, and deliver results that attract both parents and investors. The next decade will test whether it can maintain its trajectory — and redefine African education in the process.
Key Figures — Enko Education
- Founded: 2013
- Presence: 10 years of existence, 10 countries, 16 schools
- Students: >7,000 currently; >9,000 served since inception
- Alumni: 1,770 by 2025
- University Admission Abroad: 80% of graduates
- Partner Universities: >100 worldwide (2024)