Enko Education, a pan-African network of international schools, has secured $46 million in funding to fuel its expansion across sub-Saharan Africa. The financing, announced on February 17, 2026, includes a $22 million loan from Standard Bank and builds upon a $24 million equity round completed in January 2025, led by Africa Capitalworks and Adiwale Fund I. This investment underscores growing confidence in the demand for high-quality international education in Africa and Enko Education’s position as a key player in the sector.
Founded in 2013 by Eric Pignot and Cyrille Nkontchou, Enko Education currently operates 16 schools in 10 countries. The company’s “buy-and-build” strategy focuses on acquiring and strengthening existing schools with solid academic foundations, rather than solely building new facilities. This approach allows for faster expansion and leverages the established reputations and communities of the schools it acquires. The ultimate goal, according to the company, is to reach 20,000 learners by 2029.
Expanding Access to Global Universities
A core tenet of Enko Education’s mission is to increase access to leading universities worldwide for African students. The network reports that over 80% of its graduates gain admission to more than 600 universities globally. This success rate is a significant draw for families seeking a pathway to higher education opportunities beyond the continent. Recent placements include institutions like the University of Toronto (Canada), Sciences Po (France), The University of Cape Town (South Africa), and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (China), demonstrating the breadth of Enko Education’s university network.
The new funding will be instrumental in accelerating this expansion. Enko Education specifically targets schools where founders are looking to transition out of leadership or those seeking a partner to support their next phase of development. This model allows the company to preserve the unique strengths of each school while integrating them into a larger network that benefits from shared resources and best practices.
A Growing Market for International Education in Africa
The demand for international schools in Africa is driven by a number of factors, including a growing middle class, increasing urbanization, and a desire for educational opportunities that prepare students for a globalized world. Parents are increasingly willing to invest in education that they believe will provide their children with a competitive edge in the job market.
Standard Bank’s participation in the financing round signals a broader recognition of the potential within the African education sector. According to a press release from LinkedIn, Standard Bank expressed pleasure in supporting Enko Education at this stage of its growth, citing the group’s strong track record and disciplined expansion strategy. More details on the financing can be found on LinkedIn.
The “Buy-and-Build” Strategy in Detail
Enko Education’s “buy-and-build” strategy isn’t simply about acquiring schools; it’s about consolidating and formalizing the K12 landscape in Africa. The company’s educational model is built around three core pillars: Africa, the World, and the Future. This framework aims to prepare learners not only for university admission but also for success in a rapidly changing global environment.
Eric Pignot, Co-founder and CEO of Enko Education, emphasized the company’s ability to integrate diverse schools while preserving their individual strengths. “This financing reinforces our strategy and supports the next stage of our growth across Africa,” he said. Africa News Agency reported on the announcement.
The company’s success is also linked to the broader economic and political landscape in sub-Saharan Africa. While challenges remain, the region is experiencing significant growth and investment, creating opportunities for businesses like Enko Education to thrive. The network’s expansion is expected to contribute to the development of a more skilled and educated workforce across the continent.
Looking ahead, Enko Education will continue to pursue strategic acquisitions and invest in its existing schools to enhance the quality of education it provides. The company’s focus on university placement and its commitment to preparing students for the future position it as a key driver of educational innovation in Africa. The next major milestone for Enko Education will be tracking its progress toward its goal of reaching 20,000 students by 2029.
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