Arusha, 12 April 2023: Junior Achievement Africa (JA Africa) and Boeing, in collaboration with The Foundation for Tomorrow, held a one-day Innovation Camp to fuel interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among Tanzanian youth. More than 100 teenagers aged 12-17 from vulnerable communities in Arusha, Tanzania took part in the program. 50% of them were girls.
The Innovation Camp is part of the JA Africa and Boeing’s partnership that empowers over 5,000 African young people through STEM programs in Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritania, Nigeria, Sudan, Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Kuljit Ghata-Aura, Boeing president Middle East, Türkiye and Africa (META), said: “Africa is widely acknowledged as one of the last genuine growth markets for commercial aviation. Our partnership with JA Africa equips young Africans with the skills and technical knowledge necessary to start a career in STEM-related fields and feeds the talent pipeline that will enable growth of Africa’s aviation industry. In addition, we want to break stereotypes by opening the doors to aviation and other tech careers for young women.”
Simi Nwogugu, CEO of JA Africa, said: “Together with Boeing, we are addressing one of the critical needs in building a prosperous Africa – STEM education. We are proud to provide this opportunity for the young people of Tanzania to prepare themselves for the opportunities STEM brings. In addition to STEM-related trainings, the students benefitted from peer-to-peer learning, negotiation skills, emotional intelligence, team work and networking. These soft skills will help them become the 21st century talent pool.”
The Agenda 2063 – Africa’s blueprint for transforming the continent – recognizes science, technology, and innovation as major drivers for achieving the development goals of African countries. However, STEM education in Africa is falling behind when compared to the rest of the world, with less than 25% of higher education students pursuing STEM subjects, according to The African Development Bank. Investing in STEM education is a critical enabler to economic transformation of the continent.
Boeing invested over $12 million to support systemic improvements in education and economic empowerment for those in poverty and develop 21st century skills among the young population in Africa.
About Junior Achievement Africa
JA Africa is one of Africa’s largest and most-impactful youth-serving NGOs. JA Africa’s mission is to prepare Africa’s youth for the future of jobs. Through the delivery of hands-on, blended learning in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, we empower young people to grow their entrepreneurial ideas, hone their work skills, manage their earnings, and secure better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities. JA Africa has a presence in 13 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and collectively reaches over 300,000 youth in more than 3,000 schools each year. Learn more at www.ja-africa.org
About Boeing
Boeing has had a strong relationship with Tanzania over the past 45 years.
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.
