Africa's young innovators compete at the third annual ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa regional finals

Access to quality STEM education remains a challenge for many students across Africa, limiting opportunities to develop the skills needed for future careers and economic growth. Through the ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa program, the ExxonMobil Foundation is helping expand access to hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics education while preparing young people to become the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.

That effort was on full display at the 2026 ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Regional Finals, hosted in partnership with Junior Achievement (JA) Africa during Africa Energy Week 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.

The event brought together 16 outstanding students from Angola, Mozambique, Namibia and Nigeria, selected from more than 9,600 participants across the four countries. After advancing through STEM challenges, zonal competitions and national Innovation Camps, the students earned the opportunity to present solutions addressing some of Africa's most pressing challenges, including energy access, water security, food production and community development.