Kenya's Craydel Expands Edtech Services to Rwanda

Craydel, founded in 2021 by Manish Sardana, John Nguru, and Shayne Aman Premji, has officially launched operations in Rwanda. The Kenyan edtech startup operates in five countries: Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda.

Unlike most edtech companies in single markets, Craydel has taken a continental approach, offering a unified digital platform that allows students across East, West, and Central Africa to explore, compare, and apply to global universities and colleges. The platform connects learners with education counselors who guide them through career decisions and course selections from Craydel’s partner institutions.

“Our study abroad tech allows us to scale seamlessly and rapidly across markets,” Sardana told TechCabal. “Rwanda is now our 5th market in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the reception for Craydel from some of the top high schools in Rwanda has been phenomenal.”

With over 100 employees, Craydel is responding to increased interest by hiring more education counselors in Kenya and Nigeria, its two largest and fastest-growing markets. Sardana attributes this hiring to the growing demand for Craydel’s tech-enabled guidance services.

Backed by Enza Capital, Angaza Capital, and other investors, Craydel has raised over $2.5 million in venture funding. Students use the platform at no cost, while universities listed on the portal pay a commission for every successful enrollment. Its main competitors include Applyboard and IDP Education.

“Craydel is building the digital rails for higher education choice and access across Africa,” said Mile Mompi, Enza Capital managing partner. “Their rapid expansion into Rwanda and new high school partnerships is a testament to both the power of their technology and the strong market pull given the urgency of the problem they’re solving.”