ADvTECH delivers another strong set of results at the half year

ADvTECH delivers another strong set of results at the half year 

Cementing its position as the leading provider of private education on the African continent 

 

26 August 2024: Commenting on the results, ADvTECH CEO, Geoff Whyte, said: “Driven by robust fundamentals in the business, ADvTECH delivered another strong set of results for the six months ended 30 June 2024. This was achieved through healthy growth in enrolments, moderate fee increases and continued margin improvement, despite a challenging economic environment.”  

  

“We continue to invest in the delivery of superior, technology-enhanced teaching and learning, strengthening our competitive advantage and further cementing ADvTECH as the leading provider of private education on the African continent.”   

 

Group: Operational and Financial Performance  

  

  • Enrolments up 6% 
  • Operating profit up 15% to R865m (2023: R754m) 
  • Operating margin up from 19.2% to 20.2%  
  • Normalised earnings per share up 16% to 97.7 cents 

 

The Education divisions recorded revenue growth of 12% year-on-year, due to healthy enrolment growth across both Schools and Tertiary (up 4% and 7% respectively).   

  

Operating margin in the Education business improved to 23.5% (2023: 22.8%) through the benefit of operating leverage and via the Group’s continued drive for efficiency gains. This more than offset the additional costs incurred to enhance ADvTECH’s offering through the introduction of additional global benchmarking measures, artificial intelligence tools to support personalised learning and student information systems.  

  

Normalised earnings for the period increased by 17% to R535 million (2023: R459 million) while normalised earnings per share increased by 16% to 97.7 cents (2023 84.3 cents) per share.  

   

Cash generated from operating activities increased by 12% to R1 959 million (2023: R1 749 million) underscoring the strong cash generating capacity of the Group.  

 

Informed by the Group generating cash in excess of that required to fund its investment programme, the Board decided to increase the dividend payout. Management of the group’s capital structure and optimising return on equity was also considered in this decision. The Board declared an interim dividend of 38.0 cents (2023: 30.0 cents) per ordinary share in respect of the six months ended 30 June 2024. This represents an increase of 27%. 

 

Divisions: Operational and Financial Performance  

  

Schools South Africa  

   

  • Enrolments up +5%  
  • Revenue up 11%  
  • Operating profit up 12%  

  

The Schools division in South Africa continued to enhance its value propositions and to win market share. All the division’s brands recorded volume and operating profit growth.  

   

Revenue increased by 11% to R1 556 million (2023: R1 402 million) and operating profit increased by 12% to R316 million (2023: R282 million) with the operating margin improving to 20.3% (2023: 20.1%).  

   

In response to sustained demand for quality education in the mid-fee sector, a Pinnacle College campus, scheduled to open in January 2025, is currently under construction in Ridgeview, Roodepoort. Furthermore, strong enrolment growth at Pinnacle College Raslouw in Centurion, necessitated the build-out of the balance of the school, several years ahead of plan. 

 

Schools Rest of Africa  

  

  • Enrolments up +4%  
  • Revenue up 11%  
  • Operating profit up 29%  

   

ADvTECH’s schools brands in the rest of Africa continued to experience strong enrolment growth. Revenue increased by 11% to R214 million (2023: R193 million), while operating profit increased by 29% to R62 million (2023: R48 million). Operating margin improved from 24.7% to 28.7% driven by operating leverage. 

   

Construction of the next phase of Crawford International in Kenya will commence in the fourth quarter of 2024 in response to continued strong demand, driven by the school’s market leading academic offering.  

 

The Group’s Cambridge International curriculum offering, that was introduced in 2021, is also experiencing strong demand, with parents increasingly choosing this curriculum for their children. As this offering is at a higher fee, it is having a positive impact on the financial performance of these schools.  

 

Gaborone International School continues to perform exceptionally well, with strong enrolment growth and excellent academic results. The second phase of development to increase capacity to accommodate 3 250 students and to refurbish the pre-primary school has now been completed.  

 

Tertiary/University  

   

  • Enrolments up 7%  
  • Revenue up 13%  
  • Operating profit up 16%  

   

The Tertiary division performed well and continued to grow off the back of a well-established, high quality brand portfolio that offers a comprehensive range of programmes and qualifications. ADvTECH’s ability to provide multi-channel modes of delivery (contact, blended, online, full-time, part-time and distance) is fundamental to enhancing its student value proposition.  

  

Revenue increased by 13% to R1 693 million (2023: R1 500 million) and operating profit grew by 16% to R436 million (2023: R375 million). Benefitting from effective cost containment measures, operating margin increased to 25.8% (2023: 25.0%).   

   

Expansion projects are currently under way at Rosebank College’s mega-campuses in Cape Town, Pretoria and Braamfontein.  

  

A new purpose-built Vega campus is under construction in Pretoria, adjacent to Varsity College, which will be more suitable than the existing premises. In addition, ADvTECH completed expansion projects at the Varsity College Pretoria and Cape Town campuses to increase capacity in response to continued strong demand.   

 

Following the publishing of draft regulations in September 2022 by the previous Minister of Higher Education and Training, which set out the criteria to qualify as a university, amended criteria were published in April this year. ADvTECH submitted its comments in May and await the publishing of the Gazette, which is anticipated before the end of 2024.   

   

“Recognition as a University will ultimately benefit our students who will then rightfully be afforded the same status as their Public University peers. We continue to engage with the Department of Higher Education and Training to move forward on this issue,” said Whyte.   

  

The Group is in the process of acquiring a suitable building to be adapted into a university campus. Should the purchase be approved by the Competition Commission, it will result in a R419 million capital investment over the next two years.   

 

Resourcing  

   

  • Operations outside South Africa continue to fuel growth  

  

Revenue decreased by 3% to R810 million (2023: R837 million), with the decline of 16% in South Africa driven by muted recruitment activity in a challenging trading environment. Revenue in the rest of Africa declined by 1% due to a few low margin contracts coming to an end.  

 

Operating profit increased by 3% to R51 million (2023: R50 million) however. This was achieved due to an increase of 24% in operating profit from the rest of Africa to R55 million (2023: R45 million) driven by low margin contracts being replaced by higher margin contracts, more than offsetting the impact of the loss experienced in South Africa.  

  

Alternative Energy Solutions  

  

ADvTECH is committed to minimising environmental impact across our operations. Notwithstanding the recent suspension of loadshedding, the Group continues to roll out solar solutions to reduce our electricity cost and carbon footprint. In addition to five sites that already have solar solutions, installations are currently under way at three sites with the highest electricity usage. Thereafter, ADvTECH will continue the rollout to all remaining sites where a solar solution is feasible.    

 

Prospects  

   

ADvTECH is uniquely positioned to enrich people’s lives by being the leader in teaching and learning across the African continent. Strong demand for quality education continues across all our chosen markets. 

 

“The Group’s solid balance sheet, strong cash generation, growing scale and expertise in Africa and unrelenting focus on extending competitive advantage in both the Schools and Tertiary Divisions, places us in a good position to maintain our growth trajectory and invest with confidence in areas of opportunity,” concluded Whyte.  


ADvTECH Updates

ADvTECH’s first University opening outside South Africa

By Tamara Thomas • August 25, 2025
The ADvTECH Group (ADvTECH), Africa’s leading private education provider, today officially opened Rosebank International University College (RIUC) in Accra, Ghana, marking the group’s first university opening outside South Africa.  Student registrations opened on 15 August, with the inaugural academic semester set to begin in January 2026. Strategically located in Accra’s prestigious Airport Residential Area, the RIUC campus offers accredited qualifications from diplomas to doctoral degrees in high-demand fields including Business Administration, Digital Marketing, IT, Service Management, and Hospitality. “We are delighted to bring our highly successful Rosebank College brand to Ghana and expand our university footprint outside of South Africa for the first time,” said ADvTECH Group CEO Geoff Whyte.

SENS Announcement | 25 August 2025

By Tamara Thomas • August 25, 2025
Click on the image below to read full SENS Announcement

ADvTECH delivers strong revenue and operating profit growth. Double digit growth in both schools and tertiary divisions.

By Tamara Thomas • August 25, 2025
Commenting on the six months ended 30 th June 2025, ADvTECH CEO, Geoff Whyte said: “Healthy enrolment growth, moderate fee increases, improved debtors control and continued margin improvement contributed to ADvTECH delivering another strong set of results.” “In the six months under review, we continued to build competitive advantage by investing in superior technology to enhance teaching and learning, further cementing our position as the leading provider of private education on the African continent.” Group: Operational and Financial Performance Revenue up 10% to R4 683 million (2024: R4 274 million) Operating profit up 14% to R982 million (2024: R865 million) Operating margin improved to 21.0% (2024: 20.2%) Normalised earnings per share increased by 16% to 113.0 cents (2024: 97.7 cents) Group revenue grew by 10% to R4 683 million for the six months ended 30 th June 2025 (2024: R4 274 million), driven by a 13% increase in the education division. Group operating profit increased by 14% to R982 million (2024: R865 million), with the education division’s operating profit increasing by 15%, supported by strong enrolment growth. Group operating margin improved to 21.0% (2024: 20.2%). Operating margin in the education divisions improved to 23.8% (2024: 23.5%) through the benefit of operating leverage and a continued focus on efficiencies. This more than offset the additional costs incurred to strengthen our brands through the introduction of additional global benchmarking measures, artificial intelligence tools to support personalised learning and enhanced student information systems. Normalised earnings for the period increased by 16% to R620 million (2024: R535 million) while normalised earnings per share increased by 16% to 113.0 cents (2024: 97.7 cents) per share. A continued focus on collection processes has seen gross trade receivables increasing by only 3% compared to a revenue increase of 10%. Loss allowances decreased to R488 million (2024: R494 million) , due to improved collections and favourable aging of the debtors’ book. Cash generated by operating activities increased by 18% to R2 303 million (2024: R1 959 million). Capital expenditure of R327 million was focused mainly on increasing capacity at existing sites to meet incremental demand. Dividend Announcement The board is pleased to declare an interim dividend of 45.0 cents (2024: 38.0 cents) per ordinary share in respect of the six months ended 30 th June 2025. Divisions: Operational and Financial Performance Schools South Africa Robust enrolment growth driving strong financial performance Revenue increased by 11% to R1 722 million (2024: R1 556 million) with all brands showing enrolment growth. Operating profit increased by 12% to R354 million (2024: R316 million) with operating margin improving to 20.6% (2024: 20.3%), benefiting from scale leverage. Strong enrolment growth at Pinnacle College Raslouw has necessitated the accelerated build out of the school. Pinnacle College Ridgeview opened in Roodeport in January and is performing in line with expectations.

ADvTECH delivers strong revenue and operating profit growth

By Tamara Thomas • August 25, 2025

Coding for kids: rewiring early education for the digital age

By Tamara Thomas • August 20, 2025
Integrating coding into the early education years of South African students must be flagged as urgent rather than optional – a fact that was made abundantly clear at a recent global EdTech conference, education experts say. “Coding is not just about training the next generation of programmers or preparing students for tech careers, it’s about equipping students with the tools to think critically, create boldly, and collaborate effectively in a world shaped by technology,” says Dr Mario Landman, Head of Education Technology and Innovation at ADvTECH , Africa’s leading private education provider. Landman’s comments come in the wake of ADvTECH’s attendance at the BETT EdTech conference in London, a leading global education technology event which provides best practice insights into the evolving landscape of education and the strategic importance of technology integration. Darren Purdon, Academic Project Manager at ADvTECH, says visits to leading UK schools during the conference demonstrated innovative approaches to technology integration, including coding programmes for young learners and the development of bespoke educational software. “What is clear is that South Africa lags too far behind the rest of the world in integrating coding from an early age. While some leading SA private schools are on par or even ahead of their global peers, the vast majority of students in the public and even private education sector are not being exposed to the fundamentals that will set them up for success.” Landman explains that while it is understandable that within the context of resource and other constraints, students may not have access to the necessary technology, it is also true that the principles of coding can be taught and developed notwithstanding. WHY CODING IS ESSENTIAL As AI continues to rise, becoming ever more capable of routine coding tasks, the question might arise - why bother? “Integrating coding into curricula remains crucial because it fosters computational thinking, a universal skill set that transcends programming,” Landman says. “Coding teaches children how to break down complex problems, think logically, and design solutions systematically - skills that are vital in an AI-driven world where understanding and shaping technology is key. Beyond technical proficiency, coding cultivates creativity and collaboration as kids experiment, iterate, and work together on projects. These abilities prepare them not just to use AI tools but to innovate, adapt, and critically engage with technology.” This is essentially the answer to the question – will AI take my job in the future? “Developing a coder’s mindset ensures that students thrive in a future where human ingenuity complements AI advancements,” Landman points out. “By introducing coding basics from a young age, schools can harness children’s potential and build a foundation for lifelong learning.” GET CODING – REGARDLESS OF RESOURCES Landman says ADvTECH Schools have EdTech frameworks and supporting resources across all schools, with global best practice at their foundation, which ensures consistent, superior student outcomes, in particular with the recent integration of AI-driven and personalised learning tools. However, even in resource-constrained environments, innovative approaches and partnerships can make coding education accessible, he says. “As governments, educators, and communities prioritise digital literacy, the question is not whether coding should be part of education, but rather how quickly we can make it a reality for every child.” Many schools, particularly in underserved areas, face challenges in implementing coding education due to limited access to computers, software, or trained educators. However, innovative approaches can bridge this gap: Unplugged activities, such as using paper-based puzzles to teach algorithms or role-playing as “robots” to understand programming logic, require no technology and can be just as effective for introducing computational thinking. For instance, the CS Unplugged initiative has been adopted in over 50 countries, reaching schools with minimal resources. Low-cost tools like Scratch , a free block-based coding platform, can run on older computers or even tablets, making it accessible for schools with limited budgets. Partnerships with nonprofits such as code.org provide free curricula and training for teachers, reducing the need for specialised staff. For schools with intermittent internet access, offline coding tools like CodeMonkey ’s downloadable lessons or Raspberry Pi kits offer affordable solutions. “Teachers can also integrate coding into existing subjects, such as using data analysis in math or storytelling in language arts, to make it a natural part of the curriculum. Short, focused training sessions can empower teachers to guide students, even if they lack a computer science background,” Landman says. He says introducing coding in the early years is not about funneling every child into a tech career, but about equipping everyone with the basic tools to thrive in a digital future.  “By learning to code, students become exposed to the language their future peers will speak, even if they don’t yet become fluent due to limited resources. By seamlessly integrating coding into early education, whether through high-tech platforms or resource-light unplugged activities, schools can empower every student passing through their doors.”

SENS Announcement | 12 August 2025

By Tamara Thomas • August 12, 2025
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) JSE code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the group”) VOLUNTARY TRADING STATEMENT FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2025 The board hereby advises on its expectations of the financial results for the six months ended 30 June 2025. The group reports normalised earnings per share ("NEPS") as a way of excluding the effect of one-off transactions and corporate action costs from its results. Basic NEPS, Basic headline earnings per share (“HEPS”) and Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) for the six months ended 30 June 2025 are expected to be between 13% and 18% higher than the comparative reporting period for the six months ended 30 June 2024 ("the comparative period") or between 110.3 and 115.3 cents per share as compared to NEPS and HEPS of 97.7 cents per share and EPS of 97.6 cents per share for the comparative period. The financial information on which this trading update is based has not been reviewed or audited by the group’s external auditors. ADvTECH expects to release results for the six months ended 30 June 2025 on the JSE’s Stock Exchange News Service on or about Monday, 25 August 2025.  12 August 2025 Johannesburg Sponsor: Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited

From Sandton to Nairobi: South Africa’s ADvTECH is Quietly Building a Pan African Education Empire

August 11, 2025
The school group shaping tomorrow’s classrooms across Africa From leafy Johannesburg suburbs to Nairobi’s bustling education corridors, South Africa’s ADvTECH is slowly but surely planting its flag across the continent. This week, the private education powerhouse confirmed it had acquired Regis Runda Academy in Kenya for R172 million, in a bold move that solidifies its ambition to become Africa’s most prominent education group. The new acquisition will operate under the Makini Schools brand and be renamed Makini Schools Runda . With space for up to 2,000 students, the Runda-based school is positioned in one of Nairobi’s most rapidly developing areas. It joins a growing network of six Makini schools in Kenya, all under the ADvTECH umbrella. “We are delighted to increase our Makini Schools footprint in Kenya and to bring the brand’s compelling proposition to parents and students,” said ADvTECH CEO Geoff Whyte. Why Kenya? Why now? Kenya’s private education sector has seen a notable boom over the last decade. With a growing middle class, an appetite for globalised curricula, and increased competition among international and regional schools, Nairobi has become a hotspot for premium education investments. Regis Runda’s acquisition gives ADvTECH strategic access to one of East Africa’s most promising education corridors. Runda, just northeast of Nairobi, is a magnet for upwardly mobile families, making it a prime location for the group’s next flagship school. This isn’t ADvTECH’s first rodeo in Kenya. Its Crawford International brand is already present in the region, alongside its existing Makini campuses. The group is clearly betting big on Kenya, and based on the numbers, it’s a calculated bet. Africa-wide ambitions take shape This latest move follows ADvTECH’s R135 million acquisition of five Flipper International Schools in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, back in November 2024. Add to that its three schools in Gaborone, Botswana, and its soon-to-launch Rosebank International University College in Accra, Ghana — and you start to see a clear pattern emerge. While other South African education brands have focused inward, ADvTECH is going continental. In fact, the new Ghanaian university, expected to open in September 2025, is part of a long-term plan to expand the group’s tertiary education footprint across key African cities. It’s a smart play — following the student journey from nursery to university under one trusted banner. Social media sentiment and local buzz Reactions to the acquisition have been largely positive, with Kenyan parents and education commentators noting the move as “a welcome boost to quality learning options in Nairobi’s northeast.” South African LinkedIn users, meanwhile, applauded ADvTECH’s forward-thinking strategy, with one comment reading: “Love to see a South African brand going global the right way — focusing on quality education and building African futures.” The big picture: South Africa’s export isn’t just wine or gold — it’s education At a time when local universities are grappling with funding challenges and public schooling faces deep systemic issues, the growth of ADvTECH shows that private education remains one of South Africa’s most valuable exports . Its move into other African countries signals something bigger: that local companies don’t need to look to Europe or the US for global growth. The next frontier is right here, on the continent — and the classroom is where the future is being built. Source: Business Tech

ADvTECH acquires Regis Runda Academy in Nairobi

By Tamara Thomas • August 7, 2025
 ADvTECH acquires Regis Runda Academy in Nairobi 2 000 student capacity school will be integrated into the fast-growing Makini brand

SENS Announcement | 7 August 2025

By Tamara Thomas • August 7, 2025
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH”) VOLUNTARY ANNOUNCEMENT – ADvTECH acquires established Kenyan based Regis Runda Academy and further expands its footprint in East Africa ADvTECH, Africa’s leading private education provider, has expanded its Makini Schools offering in Nairobi, Kenya, by acquiring Regis Runda Academy for KSh1,23 billion (approximately R172 million). Situated in the fast-developing Runda area, northeast of Nairobi, the school, with a current capacity of 2 000 students and a full K – 12 offering, will be rebranded as Makini Schools Runda. ADvTECH has committed to investing in AI-powered digital learning tools and significant enhancements to sporting facilities at the Regis site to elevate student experience and maximise academic outcomes. In November 2024 ADvTECH acquired Flipper International School in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. These developments reinforce the group’s commitment to providing superior private education across the African continent. Commenting on the acquisition of Regis Runda Academy, ADvTECH CEO, Geoff Whyte said: “We are delighted to increase our Makini Schools footprint in Kenya and to bring the brand’s compelling proposition to parents and students in one of the fastest developing regions of Nairobi.” 7 August 2025 Johannesburg Sponsor: Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited

IIE implements AI-enhanced learning management system in partnership with global edtech leader D2L

By Tamara Thomas • July 29, 2025
The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE), South Africa’s leading private higher education provider, has set a new benchmark for technology-enabled learning in the country by designing a comprehensive education technology ecosystem with Brightspace, the flagship platform of global EdTech leader D2L, as its foundation. This initiative marks the beginning of a transformative, technology-driven learning experience for over 65,000 students across The IIE’s tertiary education brands and Evolve Online School, representing the largest implementation of the Brightspace platform in South Africa to date. Brightspace is a cutting-edge learning management system (LMS) that moves beyond the limitations of traditional, static content delivery of traditional LMS platforms. It seamlessly integrates advanced digital tools, artificial intelligence, and interactive features to create engaging, data-informed educational experiences. “This strategic investment underscores The IIE’s commitment to redefining higher education in South Africa through innovation, scalability, and student-centric design,” says Louise Wiseman, Managing Director of The IIE ’s Varsity College, Vega & IIE MSA. Brightspace serves over 20 million students globally across schools, higher education institutions, enterprises, and membership organisations. Its adoption by The IIE marks a groundbreaking shift in South Africa’s higher education landscape, as it is among the first platforms of its kind to seamlessly integrate sophisticated content authoring tools, world-class accessibility features, a student-centric design, and advanced learning analytics. “Unlike traditional learning management systems used in South Africa, Brightspace offers a seamless, intuitive user experience with unparalleled customisation and interactivity. Its implementation across The IIE’s portfolio of over 130 programmes, from Higher Certificate to Doctorate level, positions it as a pioneering solution tailored to meet the unique demands of South African students and educators,” says Wiseman. Dr Mario Landman, Head of Education Technology and Innovation at The IIE, says the institution selected Brightspace after an extensive evaluation of the world’s leading LMS platforms. The selection process prioritised feature richness, user experience, scalability and alignment with the organisation’s commitment to delivering an enhanced and future-focused academic product. “Brightspace emerged as the optimal choice as its advanced tools, customisation capabilities and collaborative features perfectly align with our vision of fostering an enriched learning experience for our students and faculty,” he says. Brightspace stands out from other platforms in the South African market due to its innovative features and alignment with modern educational needs. One of its key strengths is its interactive, AI-enhanced content creation tools, which allow educators to develop dynamic course materials - such as videos and gamified elements - without the need for advanced technical expertise. This capability promotes greater student engagement and personalisation of learning by moving beyond the static content delivery model typical of traditional LMS platforms. Additionally, the platform provides Advanced Learning Analytics that enable educators to monitor student progress, identify challenges, and optimise outcomes. This data-driven approach empowers institutions to make informed decisions to enhance teaching and learning. It also supports modern pedagogies, and is scalable and flexible.  “Brightspace is a game-changer for the higher education sector in South Africa, where diverse student populations require tailored educational solutions to ensure each student has the opportunity and ability to perform to the best of their ability, and to ensure consistently superior academic outcomes,” Wiseman says.