STEMpower says unlocking potentials of pre-university students for technological, economic advancement

Addis Ababa, February 10, 2025 (FMC) – STEMpower has been dedicated to offering pre-university students hands-on educational experiences in STEM labs, motivating them to pursue advanced studies and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

On Monday, STEMpower hosted a media event that included a visit to the STEM Center and Fab Lab, attracting both local and international media representatives.

In an exclusive interview with Fana Media Corporation (FMC), STEMpower CEO Edwin Kumfa shared that the organization is actively empowering the youth of Ethiopia, East Africa, and the broader African continent in the domains of science, technology, and innovation.

STEMpower collaborates closely with vital government entities in Ethiopia, such as the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, aiming to unlock the potential of pre-university students and contribute to a technologically and economically advanced nation.

“We recognize Ethiopia’s strategic efforts to build a digital economy, and our initiatives resonate with the national programs. We actively support these government initiatives by providing pre-university students with access to practical experiences with state-of-the-art technology and science labs,” Kumfa stated.

The Ethiopian government is diligently working towards realizing the goals of its digital strategies, showing progress along the way, and STEMpower’s support—especially in STEM education—bolsters this vision, according to Kumfa.

“The youth are crucial to transforming Africa. That is why we are intentionally investing in them, empowering them to develop innovative solutions to socio-economic challenges on the continent and contribute to achieving Agenda 2063,” he elaborated.

Dr. Simenew Keskis, Country Director of STEMpower Ethiopia, emphasized that the organization’s expanding laboratories within educational institutions nurture the interests and capabilities of both low-grade and high school students, particularly in advanced fields like robotics and artificial intelligence.

“We actively participate in national initiatives aimed at fulfilling the digital Ethiopia strategy for 2025 and the broader ambitions set for 2030,” he remarked.

Dr. Simenew revealed that STEMpower has established 65 STEM centers in higher education institutions across Ethiopia and a total of 140 centers throughout Africa. He further highlighted the organization’s commitment to fostering a technologically advanced, economically independent, and self-sustaining Ethiopia and Africa as a whole.

He also pointed out that the STEM labs and centers contribute to the country’s import substitution of science kits and educational materials, enabling significant foreign currency savings.

Over 2 million students across Ethiopia now have access to the organization’s STEM centers, gaining hands on experience in science and engineering fields. Collaborations with the Artificial Intelligence Institute and INSA focus on nurturing the potential of pre-university students at foundational levels.

Sixty young individuals trained and mentored by STEMpower have launched their enterprises in various regions of the country. Additionally, about 3,600 trainees certified by STEMpower through IBM programs are now positioned for overseas employment opportunities.

“We have trained trainers from TVET colleges and science and engineering instructors in higher education institutions on industrial automation. Moreover, we provided entrepreneurship training to individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusiveness in technological and innovative advancements within the nation,” Dr. Simenew added.

STEMpower made its debut in Ethiopia in 2012, initiating a new effort to enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education across the country. As an international non-profit organization, STEMpower is currently active in 35 African countries, including Ethiopia.