FROM CONSUMERS TO CREATORS: STEM AFRICA FEST EQUIPS CHILDREN TO LEAD THE 4TH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

At its 2025 edition, which was recently held in Lagos, STEM Africa Fest, one of the biggest STEM focused festivals for kids on the continent once again demonstrated its dedication to giving young Africans real-world experience in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math.

The enthusiasm of more than 3,000 inquisitive minds filled the Landmark Event Centre. They came to really see, test, and discover how AI can be used to solve practical issues, not merely to learn about it. This year’s discussion at the fifth edition of STEM Africa Fest, was centred on one compelling question: How can artificial intelligence be used to solve problems in the real world and bring about positive change?

With the theme “AI for Good” this year’s event focused on how artificial intelligence can revolutionize the way we solve problems in the real world. Coding, robotics, virtual reality, drone technology, engineering, science experiments, and craft activities were among the many interactive STEAM workshops offered during the festival. Through immersive, hands-on experiences, attendees had the chance to learn more about technology.

STRONG STATEMENTS AT THE EVENT

The festival’s goal, according to co-founder and co-organizer Mrs. Jadesola Adedeji, is to encourage children’s curiosity and experiential learning. “Each year, STEM Africa Fest reminds us of what is possible when children are given the space to explore, question, and build. This isn’t just about STEM; it’s about unlocking potential and preparing a generation of young Africans to lead boldly in a tech-driven world,” she said.

This goes beyond STEM; it’s about releasing potential and equipping a new generation of Africans to take bold leadership roles in a technologically advanced world. We take great pride in crafting a joyful and profoundly transformative experience. STEM Africa Fest 2025 demonstrated once more how important curiosity and experiential learning are to developing Africa’s future innovators. The festival keeps expanding as a venue to encourage creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving throughout the continent.

Another co-founder of 9ijakids and co-organizer of the event Ms. Titi Adewusi, emphasized the significance of using such initiatives to close the skills gap in Africa.

“STEM Africa Fest is more than a one-day event; it’s a gateway to preparing Africa’s next generation of problem-solvers, innovators, and critical thinkers. The skills gap is a shared challenge, and partnerships such as STEM Africa Fest are the way forward to address it,” she said.

MAJOR TAKEAWAYS

The year 2025 edition of the festival was particularly relevant. The use of AI is growing throughout Africa, and with it, the chances for young people to interact with it in both creative and practical ways.

Youngsters participated in science experiments, engineering projects, drone flights, virtual reality explorations, robotics challenges, and coding activities. Attendees had the opportunity to learn by doing, gain confidence in their ability to solve problems, and observe firsthand how technology can be applied to address real-world issues during these interactive sessions.

Children attended tech career talks in addition to workshops, where they learned about new fields and the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing tech environment. Every session, which included VR explorations and drone flights, was created to both educate and entertain kids while introducing them to the wonders of science and technology.

Malik Afegbua, a world-famous Creative AI Technologist and the creator of The Elder Series, gave a live AI demonstration that was a big hit. He showed kids how AI could be more than just machines and code; it could be a way to tell stories, be creative, and express culture. This was a great example of the festival’s theme, “AI for Good.”

Three lucky attendees, including Olayinka Samuel Favour, who won a tablet, and Fisaju Joel Champion, who won a smartwatch, took home exciting prizes from the much-anticipated raffle draw, which added to the excitement. The raffle emphasized the festival’s dedication to participation, enjoyment, and accessibility while fostering a joyous atmosphere throughout the event grounds.

CONCLUSION

The festival is more than just an annual event for its organizers, as a strong movement dedicated to re-imagining education and empowering Africa’s future, STEM Africa Fest is organized by 9ijakids and STEM-METS in collaboration with Argentil Capital Partners, Access Bank, First E & P, Oando, First Bank, Flour Mills, Dorman Long Engineering, and other committed partners. Over 20,000 children, students, parents, and educators from Lagos, Abuja, Ghana, Zambia, Rwanda, Gambia, Kenya, and Sierra Leone have been impacted by the festival since it began in 2021.

To find out even more about STEM Africa Fest, future events, and how to get involved, visit the official website at www.stemafricafest.org