African online learning company, eLearnAfrica has launched a scholarship in Rwanda valued at US$1.5 million to help online learners acquire an MBA (Master of Business Administration) qualification.

The firm told ITWeb Africa that while the program is initially focused on Rwanda, it will be expanded to other academic areas, partner universities, and applicability throughout the continent.

eLearnAfrica did not reveal which countries or relevant time frames and said only, "We will communicate additional information about academic areas and countries in the coming months. This will be a pan-African programme."

Brook Negussie, CEO of eLearnAfrica believes it is imperative that African students have access to online education.

"This degree program is fully online; our students will not have to travel and can continue to fulfil their work and family responsibilities while they study at their convenience."

He also noted that this is only the first of many similar initiatives, "While we are very proud to be able to begin this scholarship in Rwanda with excellent institutional support, we are already in conversation with education leaders across the continent to make this a pan-African scholarship covering a variety of academic areas."

The company says the two-year MBA aims to qualify professionals for management positions in world-class companies, development agencies, and government ministries.

"We hope that when they return to their path of service they will continue to play a leadership role in the larger community," Negussie added.

With digitalisation continuing to dominate discussion among businesses in Africa, the role of eLearning and skills development is gaining equal attention.

In January this year, eLearnAfrica appointed former Rwandan Minister of Education, Prof Silas Lwakabamba to its Academic Advisory Board.

Last year, the company also entered a partnership with the Association of African Universities (AAU)

AAU is marketed as Africa's largest higher education coordinating body comprising 380 universities in 46 African countries.

The organisations said the partnership expects to benefit approximately 10 million students on the continent.

According to Ambient Insights, Africa's e-learning market is witnessing massive growth, spurred by public-private partnerships.