The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $10 million financing package with Schoolnet India Ltd (SIL) to enhance learning outcomes for 4.5 million students by expanding digital learning infrastructure across 30,000 government schools in India.
The transaction marks ADB’s first private sector financing for a digital education project in India and is aimed at accelerating the adoption of technology-enabled learning in line with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Addressing digital infrastructure gaps
India’s education sector has witnessed rapid growth in recent years, but digital infrastructure gaps continue to remain a challenge. According to ADB, only 26% of K-12 schools in the country have computer laboratories, while just 29% have smart classrooms.
The Schoolnet Digital Learning Project seeks to bridge this gap by improving access to digital tools, technology-driven learning resources, and teacher training programmes.
Project to cover 30,000 schools
Under the initiative, Schoolnet India will install computer laboratories in at least 1,000 schools and establish 58,000 digital classrooms in government schools across the country.
The project also includes training for at least 56,000 teachers in digital pedagogy to help them effectively integrate technology into classroom instruction. In addition, learning materials will be provided to promote inclusive, safe, and equitable digital teaching practices.
ADB sees digital learning as a key growth area
ADB Country Director for India, Mio Oka, said the investment would support the digital transformation of India’s education sector while promoting inclusive and high-quality learning opportunities.
“ADB’s first private sector financing for a digital education project in India will drive digital transformation in education and promote high-quality, inclusive learning. By supporting private sector providers like SIL, ADB aims to drive innovation in digital education solutions and deepen the market for scalable, high-quality school infrastructure across India,” said Mio Oka.
LEAP 2 contributes to financing package
The financing package includes a $5 million loan from the Leading Asia’s Private Infrastructure Fund 2 (LEAP 2), an ADB-managed fund supported by a $1.5 billion commitment from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Established in 2023, LEAP 2 focuses on supporting sustainable private sector infrastructure projects that help reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and expand access to affordable healthcare, education, and communication services across ADB’s developing member countries.
Supporting inclusive growth
ADB said the investment aligns with its broader objective of promoting sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific through strategic partnerships and innovative financing solutions.
Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members, including 50 from the Asia-Pacific region, and works to support infrastructure development, economic growth, and social progress across its member countries.