By: Goshu Melisew
STEMpower(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is committed to empowering Ethiopian students, especially pre-university learners, by providing hands-on learning opportunities and nurturing their talents.
Edwin Kumfa, CEO of STEMpower, emphasized the organization's focus on youth empowerment across Ethiopia, East Africa, and the wider continent. “Youth empowerment is at the core of what we do,” he stated. “We’re committed to inspiring and equipping young Africans with critical skills.”
With over 60 STEM centers established in Ethiopia, including state universities, and 140 centers across Africa, STEMpower has impacted 2 million students. Kumfa also highlighted the success of science fairs in evaluating the impact of these centers.
STEMpower’s collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Education and Ministry of Innovation and Technology aligns with Ethiopia’s evolving Digital Ethiopia 2025 and 2030 strategies. Kumfa noted, “Our role in this strategy is to ensure young people have access to technology and digital literacy, which are key to Ethiopia’s digital transformation.”
Linking the organization’s mission to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, Kumfa stressed the importance of investing in youth. “The Africa we want cannot be achieved without investing in our youth. They will carry Africa forward,” he asserted.
Simenew Keskes (PhD), Country Director of STEMpower Ethiopia, shared the organization’s vision of creating a self-sustaining nation and student community that contributes to a technologically advanced and economically independent Ethiopia and Africa.
He emphasized the role of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) in inspiring students, revealing collaborations with the Information Network Security Agency (INSA) and the Ethiopian Space Science and Artificial Intelligence Institute to train talented students.
Simenew acknowledged Ethiopia’s progress under the Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy and the ongoing development of Digital Ethiopia 2030, stating, “While significant achievements have been made, there is still much to be done. STEMpower is committed to aligning its initiatives with the government’s national digital policy.”
Founded in 2009 in Ethiopia by the Gelfand family, STEMpower is a non-profit organization that has led successful educational and technological programs across Sub-Saharan Africa for over a decade.