Craydel Expands to Rwanda, Scales Nigerian Operations in Pan-African Education Push

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Kenyan edtech platform Craydel is continuing its cross-border expansion, officially launching operations in Rwanda while strengthening its Nigerian team. The move marks a significant step in the startup’s pan-African growth strategy, bringing its total footprint to five countries: Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and now Rwanda.

Founded in 2021, Craydel offers a digital platform that matches African students with universities abroad using a proprietary matchmaking tool. Its entry into Rwanda—where the platform has already been adopted by top secondary schools—represents growing demand for streamlined access to higher education across the continent.

“Our study abroad tech allows us to scale seamlessly and rapidly across markets,” said Manish Sardana, Co-founder of Craydel. “The reception in Rwanda has been phenomenal.”

A Pan-African Bet on Student Mobility

While most edtech startups in Africa remain focused on single markets, Craydel has opted for a broader regional strategy. Its expansion comes amid increased interest from African students in international education, with an estimated 400,000 studying abroad annually. The platform provides access to universities across key destination countries, allowing students to compare options and apply directly online.

Craydel’s pan-African approach also extends to talent. The startup is actively hiring education counselors in Nigeria and Kenya to meet rising platform demand. With over 100 employees and operations in key education hubs, Nigeria and Kenya remain its fastest-growing markets.

Rwanda Marks a Strategic Fifth Market

Rwanda’s inclusion signals Craydel’s intent to reach Central Africa’s student population. The company is banking on its digital-first model to navigate the regulatory and cultural complexities that often accompany pan-African scaling.

“Craydel is building the digital rails for higher education choice and access across Africa,” said Mike Mompi, Managing Partner at Enza Capital, one of the startup’s early backers.

Craydel currently earns revenue from commissions paid by listed universities for each student enrollment—a model it says is aligned with its goal of keeping the platform free for learners. Its main competitors include global names like IDP Education and ApplyBoard.

Edtech Momentum Meets Market Realities

Craydel’s growth highlights the evolving dynamics of Africa’s edtech landscape, where startups are beginning to test regional models in pursuit of profitability and broader impact. With the continent’s edtech market projected at $30 billion annually, the company’s latest moves could be seen as a bellwether for future consolidation or competitive reshuffling in the sector.

While the expansion signals investor confidence and product-market fit, the real test will be whether Craydel can sustain user engagement and operational efficiency across diverse regulatory environments.