STEMi Makers of Africa.
Applications are open for the Project Kuongoza for Women and Girls 2026/2027, a mentorship and fellowship programme designed to empower young women to pursue opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Innovation (STEMi). The programme aims to help participants develop confidence, strengthen leadership abilities and gain practical guidance as they explore or advance their careers in science and technology.
Project Kuongoza addresses the underrepresentation of women and girls in STEM fields across Sub Saharan Africa and the Middle East and North Africa region. Although women represent a substantial share of the population, they remain underrepresented among STEM students, researchers and professionals. The programme seeks to help close this gap by connecting aspiring women in STEM with experienced professionals who can provide guidance, encouragement and insights into career development.
Through a digital mentorship model, participants are paired with professional mentors or leaders for a six month mentoring journey. These relationships are intended to help participants navigate career decisions, develop professional skills and gain a clearer understanding of the opportunities available in STEM related fields.
The programme is suitable for women already studying or working in a STEM discipline, as well as those interested in transitioning into a STEM pathway. Applicants should be prepared to participate in the mentoring process and implement a capstone project as part of the requirements for completing the programme and becoming a Fellow.
Project Kuongoza is a mentorship initiative associated with STEMi Makers of Africa and its efforts to increase the participation of women and girls in science, technology and innovation. Its approach focuses on building meaningful connections between aspiring professionals and people with practical experience in STEM careers.
Mentorship can help participants understand career pathways that may otherwise be difficult to access. Through conversations with experienced professionals, mentees can learn from real workplace experiences, ask questions about their chosen fields and receive guidance as they consider their next steps.
The programme also recognises that technical knowledge alone is not always enough to build a successful career. Communication, confidence, leadership and the ability to make informed career decisions are important parts of professional development. By creating opportunities for guidance and learning, Project Kuongoza seeks to help participants prepare for the transition from education into employment and for further growth within their chosen fields.
The digital format makes professional mentorship possible without requiring participants and mentors to be in the same physical location. The programme is designed to create connections that support learning, career exploration and the development of a stronger community of women in STEM.
Successful participants can expect the following benefits:
• Six month mentorship journey: Participants are paired with a professional mentor or leader for structured guidance.
• Professional guidance: Mentees can learn from the experience and knowledge of professionals in STEM related fields.
• Career development: Mentorship can help participants explore career pathways and make more informed professional decisions.
• Confidence building: The programme aims to strengthen participants' self confidence as they pursue opportunities in science and technology.
• Communication skills: Participants can develop their ability to communicate professionally and engage with people in their fields.
• Leadership development: The mentoring experience is intended to support the growth of leadership qualities that can benefit participants throughout their careers.
• Practical project experience: Participants must be willing to implement a capstone project as part of completing the programme.
• Professional connections: Being paired with a mentor provides an opportunity to build a relationship with an experienced professional.
Please note that the published opportunity information does not specify a financial stipend, tuition award or other monetary benefit. Applicants should therefore view Project Kuongoza primarily as a mentorship and professional development opportunity rather than a funded scholarship.
Project Kuongoza supports participants interested in STEM education, careers and innovation. Relevant areas include:
• Science and scientific careers.
• Technology and digital innovation.
• Engineering and technical professions.
• Mathematics and related disciplines.
• Innovation and STEM related problem solving.
• Career exploration and professional development within STEM.
Applicants who are considering a transition into a STEM pathway may also be eligible, provided they meet the programme requirements.
Applicants interested in the Project Kuongoza for Women and Girls 2026/2027 should meet the following criteria:
• Be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Be studying or working in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics field, or be interested in transitioning into a STEM pathway.
• Be willing to implement a capstone project as a requirement for completing the programme and becoming a Fellow.
• Be prepared to participate in a six month mentorship journey.
The published announcement does not provide a complete list of mandatory application documents. Applicants should review the official application form to confirm exactly what information is required.
Prepare to explain your background and interest in STEM clearly. It may be useful to reflect on the following points before applying:
• Your current education, work experience or interests in STEM.
• The reasons you want to participate in the mentorship programme.
• Your intended career direction or interest in transitioning into a STEM field.
• The professional skills or knowledge you hope to develop through mentorship.
• A possible capstone project that reflects your interests or the problems you would like to address.
These points are preparation suggestions, not a confirmed list of compulsory application documents.
Interested applicants can follow these steps:
STEMi Makers of Africa.
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