(Posted 11th August 2026)
More than 2,600 students from Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa have graduated from the 2026 Pathways to Space programme, delivered by Boeing and the Future African Space Explorers STEM Academy (FASESA).
The five-month programme reached:
- 1,313 students in South Africa
- 832 students in Ethiopia
- 431 students in Nigeria
- 50 students in Kenya
Students explored astronautics, systems engineering, human factors and materials science, participated in sessions with former astronauts and international space professionals, undertook a high-altitude balloon mission and developed prototype spacesuit concepts.
The programme attracted support from senior African government and space-sector leaders:
- Honourable Sindisiwe Chikunga, South Africa’s Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in the Presidency, highlighted the importance of equipping young Africans—particularly girls and students from underserved communities—with the skills and confidence to participate in science, technology and space exploration.
- Dr Bethelhem Nigussie, Deputy Director General of Ethiopia’s Space Science and Geospatial Institute, welcomed the programme’s contribution to inspiring Ethiopian students and developing the country’s future space and STEM talent.
- Dr Matthew Olumide Adepoju, Director General and Chief Executive of Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency, emphasised the importance of developing homegrown scientific and technical expertise to support Nigeria’s and Africa’s growing space ambitions.
Henok Teferra Shawl, Managing Director of Boeing Africa, said the programme demonstrates what can be achieved when industry, education and government work together to give young Africans access to STEM learning and international expertise.
Sean Jacobs, Managing Director of FASESA, said the expansion into four countries represented an important step towards making space education accessible to students across the continent.
Since its launch in 2024, Pathways to Space has reached almost 3,500 African students. The initiative is helping to develop the skills pipeline Africa will require as its space, satellite and advanced-technology sectors expand.
