Accra: Junior Achievement Africa (JA Africa), in partnership with global aerospace leader Boeing, has launched new programmes to boost youth development in STEM and entrepreneurship in Nigeria and Togo. The initiative seeks to equip hundreds of secondary school students with practical skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as entrepreneurship, to drive innovation and economic growth across the continent.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative builds on a longstanding collaboration between the two organisations. In Nigeria, 500 girls from secondary schools have enrolled in the newly introduced Girls STEMpreneurship programme. This initiative includes immersive innovation camps that aim to empower young women with tools and knowledge to pursue higher education and careers in STEM fields. Top-performing teams from the camps will receive seed funding to transform their business ideas into reality.
Meanwhile, in Togo, 600 senior secondary students are participating in JA Africa's renowned Company Program. The hands-on learning experience will expose them to key aspects of launching and managing startups, including market research, financial literacy, and leadership. Participants are also expected to develop solutions to environmental challenges in their communities. The programmes will feature local and regional competitions, allowing students to showcase their ideas. Boeing staff will serve as mentors and judges, providing insights from the industry.
Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Trkiye, Africa, and Central Asia, emphasised the importance of the partnership: 'Our collaboration with Junior Achievement Africa has already helped over 5,000 young people across the continent to unlock their potential. We are confident that the programmes in Nigeria and Togo will create meaningful opportunities for a new generation of talent and support the continent's economic development.'
Simi Nwogugu, President and CEO of JA Africa, praised the deepening collaboration: 'The expansion of our partnership with Boeing is a bold statement about the shared belief in the potential of the African youth. Together, we are helping young people not just to imagine the future, but to build it.'
Since 2021, JA Africa and Boeing have worked together to deliver programs focused on sustainability and entrepreneurship in 10 African countries, including Ghana, Uganda, and Senegal. Many alumni of the programmes have launched successful businesses, contributing to job creation in their communities. Africa is home to the world's fastest-growing youth population, making such investments in education and innovation vital for the continent's long-term development.
JA Africa is one of the continent's leading NGOs focused on youth empowerment. Operating in 23 countries, it delivers experiential education in work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, reaching over 900,000 young people annually. Boeing has supported Africa's aviation and educational sectors for over 70 years. The company has invested $22 million since 2008 in education and economic empowerment initiatives on the continent.
