The inaugural STEM Fest Africa, a groundbreaking event aimed at promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education across the continent, made a resounding debut in Sierra Leone.

Held at the Freetown City Council on September 28th, 2024, the festival attracted over 1000 students from schools across Freetown, making it the largest STEM festival in Africa.

The event was organized through the collaborative efforts of Freetown Innovation Lab, 9ijakids, SREM METs, and Skool Grind. It marked a significant milestone in promoting STEAM education and fostering a passion for innovation among young Africans.

The festival’s overarching goal was to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for the future workforce, particularly as STEAM-related jobs are projected to grow at nearly twice the rate of non-STEAM jobs.

STEM Fest Africa featured four main sections designed to engage participants with practical and educational experiences:

Master Class: Experts from various STEAM fields shared their knowledge, inspiring students to explore potential career paths and deepen their understanding of key topics in science, technology, and the arts.

STEAM Labs: Participants enjoyed hands-on learning through interactive activities, including biology experiments, physics demonstrations, and creative arts like tailoring and painting. These labs offered students practical insights into how STEAM concepts are applied in real-world scenarios.

STEAM Exhibitors: A wide array of organizations, including Freetown Innovation Lab, Kamara Yokie Innovation Center, DSTI, Orange Sierra Leone, and Africell Sierra Leone, showcased their contributions to STEAM education and innovation. This exhibition provided students with a look into the work being done by both public and private sector entities to drive progress in STEAM fields.

Career Corner: Focused on the tech industry, this section allowed students to explore potential career opportunities, giving them a deeper understanding of roles in sectors such as technology, engineering, and innovation.

The event’s success underscored the importance of STEAM education in Africa, where the growth of these fields is expected to drive economic prosperity.

STEM Fest Africa, supported by sponsors like Access Bank, United Bank of Africa, the Freetown City Council, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education, and the Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation, showcased the collaborative spirit needed to advance education and innovation across the continent.

As the first festival of its kind, STEM Fest Africa is set to become a flagship program, with plans for future editions aimed at further nurturing young talent and building future leaders in the STEAM fields. The festival serves not only as an educational platform but also as a catalyst for empowering young Africans to take a leading role in shaping the future of their nations and the broader continent.

The success of this inaugural event highlights the critical role that STEAM education will play in Africa’s future, and the festival is poised to inspire a new generation of innovators and problem-solvers.