EpiTek integrates Agora RTC to scale virtual classrooms in Africa

The integration addresses infrastructure gaps in emerging markets by shifting toward lightweight, SDK-based video solutions rather than fragmented third-party conferencing apps. For the streaming ecosystem, this demonstrates the continued expansion of real-time engagement (RTE) into specialized B2B verticals like workforce development. By localizing content delivery through a South African provider, the partnership challenges the dominance of Western-centric platforms in the region. Analysts should watch for EpiTek’s reported expansion into non-African markets as a test of its low-latency scaling capabilities.

The African edtech sector has seen a localized surge in real-time engagement infrastructure as digital adoption outpaces fixed-line connectivity. Per a June 2026 report from Africa Business Communities, the continent's edtech market is projected to reach $6.5 billion by year-end, driven largely by corporate upskilling initiatives and mobile-first streaming solutions. This growth coincides with increased investment in cloud infrastructure; for example, Microsoft and Google have both expanded their data center footprints in Johannesburg and Cape Town since 2024 to reduce latency for real-time applications.

Agora’s expansion in the region follows a broader industry trend where RTC providers are prioritizing low-bandwidth optimization for emerging markets. Per TechCrunch in February 2026, competitors like Twilio and Zoom have faced increasing pressure from specialized API-driven platforms that offer better performance on 3G and 4G networks. In South Africa specifically, the shift toward integrated SaaS platforms reflects a demand for consolidated workflows that combine video delivery with learning management systems. This consolidation is crucial for the private training sector, which, according to Statistics South Africa data from early 2026, is increasingly pivoting toward digital-only certification to address the national skills gap.