KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican education technology company EduFocal has been named one of the world’s leading EdTech firms by TIME Magazine and Statista, placing at number 225 globally and earning the top spot in the Caribbean.

With a score of 74.4 per cent, EduFocal ranked ahead of thousands of other companies worldwide, joining a list that includes major players in education technology—many backed by hundreds of millions of US dollars in funding.

The second annual TIME and Statista ranking evaluated more than 7,000 EdTech companies based on financial strength and industry impact. While the list is largely dominated by firms from the United States, China, and India, EduFocal’s inclusion highlights the innovation emerging from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Jamaica.

Founded in 2012, EduFocal has grown from a digital tool for students into a Learning Management System (LMS) provider used by organisations including the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, the Transport Authority, Supreme Ventures Group, and the Bank of Jamaica.

The company gained national recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic when it provided live online classes to more than 70,000 students daily—a moment CEO and founder Gordon Swaby credits as a turning point in both EduFocal’s journey and the wider shift to digital learning in the region.

“I often speak about Marcus Garvey’s story — an unknown man from St Ann who rose to become one of the most impactful figures in the world. His life reminds us that greatness can come from anywhere, including SIDS with limited resources,” Swaby said. “I found out that EduFocal was ranked number 225 on TIME Magazine’s list of the World’s Top 350 EdTech Companies. We did not apply for this recognition. It came purely from the work we continue to do.”

EduFocal’s rise reflects a broader transformation in regional education and the company’s ability to adapt and deliver solutions amid changing circumstances and limited resources.

Swaby describes the recognition not only as a corporate achievement, but also as a win for the nation.

“It affirms what many Jamaicans already know: we are an exceptional people. With or without vast resources, we produce excellence that rivals the most well-funded organisations across the globe,” he said.

Looking ahead, EduFocal aims to remain at the forefront of digital education in the Caribbean, using technology to expand access and improve outcomes for both learners and educators.

“There is no problem too big to solve, no mountain too high to climb with effort, resolve, and dedication,” Swaby said.