Advtech buys 25% MathU stake to secure exclusive AI learning tools
South Africa's private education sector is deepening its push into artificial intelligence as Advtech takes a strategic stake in edtech company MathU. The deal gives the JSE-listed group board representation and exclusive access to MathU's current and future AI-enhanced education solutions.
Highlights
- Advtech acquires a 25% stake in MathU, securing exclusive access to current and future AI-driven education solutions and a MathU board seat.
- The partnership enables rollout of personalised Math and Science learning tools in Advtech's Schools Division, with English set to launch soon.
- Through MathU Society, both firms will expand maths and science support for underserved students, aligning with Advtech's Africa-wide quality education strategy.
Acquisition expands Advtech's AI learning rollout
As reported by Moneyweb, Advtech confirms in a statement on Wednesday that it has acquired a 25% stake in MathU, an education technology company whose platform has already been deployed across the group's Schools Division since 2023 under the Advlearn brand.The agreement secures Advtech a seat on MathU's board as well as exclusive rights to existing and future AI-enhanced education solutions. The company says the platform is currently used for personalised learning in Mathematics and Physical Science, with English due to launch shortly.
WA Burger, CEO and founder of MathU, says the partnership is set to support the continued development of new digital tools for Advtech's schools. He says working with Advtech will accelerate the reach of the technology and bring innovative learning solutions to more students.
Education access and regional growth focus
The partnership also extends beyond Advtech's fee-paying schools through MathU Society, the platform's social impact initiative, which is set to provide Mathematics and Science support for students in underserved communities.Geoff Whyte, Advtech's group CEO, says the transaction reflects the group's strategy of combining education expertise with technology to improve learning outcomes at scale and broaden access to quality education across Africa.
Advtech does not disclose the value of the acquisition. The transaction marks the group's second major deal this month after it announces the acquisition of the St George's School property in Gqeberha to establish the first Eastern Cape campus of The Bridge School for neurodivergent learners, with that campus scheduled to open in January 2028.
In our earlier article, we examined how the rapid spread of artificial intelligence is raising competitive standards for companies, making “average” performance and legacy operating models increasingly unsustainable. We noted that firms that invest in AI, skills, and process changes can improve productivity and defend market position, while those that delay adoption risk falling behind as AI-driven tools become a structural part of how businesses operate.