by AKANI CHAUKE
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – JUNIOR Achievement Africa and the ExxonMobil Foundation have launched the 2026 edition of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Africa programme, an initiative aimed at equipping thousands of African learners with critical science, technology, engineering, mathematics and artificial intelligence skills.
The programme, known as STEM Africa 2.0, seeks to train an additional 4,000 students aged between 14 and 17 across the continent, building on a partnership that has already reached more than 10,000 young people in Angola, Mozambique, Namibia and Nigeria.
Announced in Accra, Ghana, the initiative comes amid growing concerns over Africa’s widening digital skills gap despite the continent’s rapidly expanding youth population.
Organisers said the programme is designed to prepare young Africans for emerging opportunities in sectors such as technology, energy, sustainability and digital innovation.
STEM Africa 2.0 introduces artificial intelligence learning pathways into secondary school STEM education, reflecting increasing global demand for AI-related skills and the changing nature of the future workplace.
Participants will undertake a structured four-phase programme featuring STEM and AI quizzes, zonal competitions, national innovation camps and a continental showcase to be held during Africa Energy Week.
The programme aims to move beyond classroom-based learning by encouraging practical problem-solving, innovation and collaboration.
Simi Nwogugu, President and Chief Executive Officer of JA Africa, said the initiative was focused on empowering young Africans to become future innovators and leaders.
“The future of Africa will be shaped by the ideas, ingenuity and leadership of its young people,” she said.
“Through STEM Africa 2.0, we are not only strengthening STEM competencies but also opening pathways into artificial intelligence and innovation.”
Alvin Abraham, President of the ExxonMobil Foundation, said investment in youth education was essential for long-term economic resilience and growth.
“We are helping to bridge the skills gap and enabling young people to engage with emerging technologies that will define the future of work,” he said.
In addition to technical training, the programme will place emphasis on inclusion by targeting underserved communities and promoting gender balance across all activities.
Organisers said a monitoring and evaluation framework would track learning outcomes and long-term progression into STEM-related careers.
JA Africa reaches more than 1.6 million young Africans annually through programmes focused on entrepreneurship, employability and skills development.
The ExxonMobil Foundation supports education and economic empowerment initiatives globally through strategic partnerships and community development programmes.
– CAJ News