How might we optimise ‘behind the scenes’ tasks at every level of the education system?
How might we optimise ‘behind the scenes’ tasks at every level of the education system?
Governments and administrators are increasingly using AI to improve efficiency (OECD, 2024; Rahman & Freeman, 2025). Yet, the challenge lies in integrating these technologies in ways that build trust, safeguard data, and align with human values.
EdTech Hub’s AI Observatory is exploring how ministries of education can streamline bureaucracy – which means simplifying administrative procedures to ensure that information, decisions, approvals, and resource allocations move more efficiently through the system.
This week, in Issue No. 23 of the #WaypointWednesday, we spotlight capacity building initiatives, as well as AI-enabled accountability and data-driven decision-making.
Early signals
AI-enabled data-driven decision-making
As governments increasingly turn to algorithms and new data sources to improve decision-making (OECD, 2024), AI is seen as essential for generating evidence-informed and data-driven decision-making that would otherwise not be possible (Alsbou & Alsaraireh, 2024; Arar et al., 2025; Harry, 2023; UNESCO, 2019).
- Democratic Republic of Congo – EDUBASE: An AI RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) assistant, tackles a lack of data accessibility by combining information retrieval with content generation. By centralising data, and making it accessible via WhatsApp, EDUBASE promotes more transparent, efficient, and evidence-based education management. (UNESCO, 2025)
- Kenya – Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS): EdTech Hub is working with The Ministry of Education to test ways to integrate AI into their new Education Management Information System, which the government is revamping in a push for data-driven education reform. (EdTech Hub, 2025)
AI-enabled transparency and accountability
To promote accountability, we’re seeing AI used for automated audits, monitoring spending, and improving data transparency. Guidance emphasises that the use of AI itself must also be trustworthy.
- Brazil – Alice: Brazil’s Comptroller General’s Office (CGU) developed the AI system Alice to monitor federal procurement in real time. It analysed over 190,900 acquisitions, triggered 203 audits worth around EUR 4.15 billion and blocked bids totalling about EUR 1.5 billion. Alice reduced audit times from 400 days to eight, potentially freeing resources that could be redirected. (OPSI, 2024)
- Global – OECD framework for trustworthy AI in government: The framework outlines how governments can seize AI’s promise of productivity, responsiveness and accountability by putting in place the right mix of enablers, safeguards and engagement mechanisms. (OECD, 2024)
Strengthening the capacity of civil servants to optimise with AI
There’s a gap between AI use and skills – public servants need and want guidance and training (Apolitical, 2025). We’re seeing initiatives that build the capacity of civil servants to innovate with AI.
- Philippines, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Kenya – Ministry of Education AI Challenge: EdTech Hub’s AI Observatory is supporting ministries of education from low- and middle-income countries to take part in a challenge exploring how AI can support more efficient delivery of their education systems. (EdTech Hub, 2025)
- Global – AI Government Campus: Apolitical’s AI Campus is an online learning hub designed to upskill public servants and policymakers worldwide on the effective and responsible use of AI in government operations and public service delivery. (Apolitical, 2025)
Reflections:
- As governments increasingly turn to AI-powered solutions for data-driven decision-making, procurement, and increased transparency and accountability, the question of how such systems are built becomes important. These can be completely homegrown, developed through building blocks or procured through off-the-shelf solutions and each option has their pros and cons. (Adam, 2021; World Bank Group, 2022)
- The OECD urges governments to prioritise high-benefit, low-risk AI applications, particularly when developing early maturity. Yet most governments lack holistic processes to measure outcomes such as spending efficiency, service quality, or potential harms. Establishing these measurement systems should be a cross-cutting priority to unlock AI’s full potential. (OECD, 2025)
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We’d love to hear from you! What’s been shaping your thinking on AI? Drop your thoughts (and reading recommendations) in the comments. Explore more from EdTech Hub’s AI Observatory.
EdTech Hub’s AI Observatory is made possible with the support of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
