Unicaf operates a mobile-friendly online higher education platform that offers accredited undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in collaboration with universities in the UK, US, Europe and Africa. The company blends online instruction with on-the-ground instructional centres and virtual coaching to provide flexible delivery modes. It focuses on affordable, quality university degrees for underserved markets. Unicaf currently has more than 16,000 students enrolled in its academic programs. The company was founded in 2012 by Dr. Nicos Nicolaou, who serves as CEO. Future plans include expanding program offerings and opening up to five additional African campuses over the next five years to grow enrolment. UNICAF offers flexible online and blended-learning degree programs designed to expand access to international-standard higher education across Africa. Its model is presented as cost-effective—around 80% more affordable—and enables students to combine study with full-time work. The organisation is accelerating development of on-the-ground learning centres across African cities and plans expansion into Burundi, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire and Mozambique. UNICAF already operates in hard-to-reach countries including Zimbabwe, Somalia and Malawi and delivers impact across multiple African markets listed by the investor. The business model aims to create over 1,000 new jobs through its network of learning centres. UNICAF’s domicile is listed as Cyprus and it is classified in the Consumer - Education sector. Unicaf is an online platform that partners with western universities to offer locally accredited degrees to African young professionals. Founded in 2012 and based in Larnaca, Cyprus, the company provides largely online study options so students can continue to work while studying. It has grown to over 8,000 students and was on track to reach over 60,000 students by the end of 2020. The company secured $12M in funding to support expansion plans. Unicaf intends to use the funds to roll out education learning centres across African cities and to complete the establishment of a university campus in Malawi. Backers in the funding included CDC Group, University Ventures and Savannah Fund.

Total raised

$48M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Series B

Latest activity

Nov 2018