Boeing & JA Africa: Investing in Future STEM Leaders & Entrepreneurs

Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Junior Achievement Africa (JA Africa) say they are expanding their collaboration to launch impactful STEM and entrepreneurship programmes for young people in Nigeria and Togo.

The initiatives aim to cultivate talent, promote women’s empowerment, and drive economic growth across the continent.

This is according to a statement issued to newsmen on Thursday in Lagos.

In Nigeria, the newly launched ‘Girls STEMpreneurship’ programme is engaging 500 secondary school girls in immersive innovation camps.

In Nigeria, 500 secondary school girls who have joined the ‘Girls STEMpreneurship’ programme will be exposed to immersive innovation camps.

These camps will equip them with crucial skills for future education, self-employment, or careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

The programme will culminate in seed funding for the most promising business ideas developed by the participants.

Also in Togo, 600 senior secondary school students will learn how to set up and run startups, gaining hands-on experience in market research, financial management, and leadership.

The programme will challenge participants to create viable solutions to pressing environmental issues while nurturing their business acumen.

The programmes will include local and regional events, where students will showcase their innovative ideas.

Boeing employees will have avenues to mentor selected teams and serve as judges at programme competitions.

Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia, said, “Our partnership 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.”

Also, Simi Nwogugu, President of JA Africa, said, “The expansion of our partnership with Boeing is not just a continuation of support, it is a bold statement about the shared belief in the potential of the African youth.

“Boeing’s sustained commitment across multiple countries demonstrates trust in our education model and amplifies our role as the go-to partner for entrepreneurship education and STEM learning on the continent.

“Together, we are helping young people not just to imagine the future, but to build it.”

JA Africa and Boeing have been partners since 2021, delivering entrepreneurship and sustainability programs in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Madagascar, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and now Togo.

Alumni of the programmes have consistently demonstrated success, with many launching their businesses and becoming job creators in their communities.

Such outcomes are vital for Africa, home to the world’s fastest-growing youth population. (NAN)