Junior Achievement Africa (JA Africa) has teamed up with global aerospace giant Boeing to launch a series of innovative programmes aimed at boosting youth participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and entrepreneurship across Nigeria and Togo.
The collaboration, which builds on a long-standing partnership, seeks to equip over 1,000 students with practical skills and entrepreneurial mindset, positioning them as future leaders in Africa’s growing technology and business sectors.
Focus on Girls’ STEM Education in Nigeria
In Nigeria, the partnership has launched the Girls STEMpreneurship Programme, targeting 500 female secondary school students. This initiative aims to close the gender gap in STEM fields by providing young women with hands-on training in technology, engineering, and business.
The programme features innovation camps where participants will work on real-world projects, develop entrepreneurial ideas, and compete for seed funding to turn their concepts into viable businesses.
Simi Nwogugu, President and CEO of JA Africa, highlighted the importance of this focus, saying, “Empowering young women to pursue STEM careers is critical for Africa’s economic growth. We are not just inspiring them to dream, but equipping them to lead.”
Entrepreneurship Focus in Togo
Meanwhile, in Togo, 600 senior secondary students have enrolled in JA Africa’s flagship Company Program, a hands-on entrepreneurship course that covers market research, financial management, leadership, and innovation.
Participants in the Togo programme will also tackle local environmental challenges, developing sustainable business solutions to address pressing community needs.
The initiative will culminate in local and regional competitions where students will present their ideas to industry leaders, including mentors from Boeing, who will guide and assess their progress.
Long-Term Impact and Global Support
Boeing’s support for these programmes is part of its broader commitment to educational and economic development in Africa. The company has invested $22 million in such initiatives since 2008.
Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with JA Africa is not just about teaching skills; it’s about building a future where Africa’s youth can thrive. We are excited to support the next generation of innovators.”
A Broader Vision for Africa’s Youth
Since 2021, JA Africa and Boeing have worked together to deliver impactful programmes in 10 African countries, including Ghana, Uganda, and Senegal. The collaboration has so far reached over 5,000 young people, many of whom have gone on to launch successful businesses in their communities.
With Africa home to the world’s fastest-growing youth population, these initiatives are seen as critical for the continent’s long-term economic stability and growth.
JA Africa, one of the continent’s largest youth-focused NGOs, currently operates in 23 countries, reaching nearly one million young people annually through its work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship programmes.
Boeing’s long history in Africa includes over 70 years of investment in the region’s aviation and educational sectors, reflecting its commitment to supporting economic empowerment and innovation across the continent.
