Boeing and the Future African Space Explorers STEM Academy have launched the third edition of the Pathways to Space program to train more than 2,000 African high school students, including those in Nigeria, in space science and aerospace-related skills.
The initiative targets students aged 13 to 18 and will run across four African countries — Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa — with South Africa participating for the first time since the program was introduced.
The program is designed to expose students to real-world applications of space science, aerospace engineering, and related technology fields, helping young Africans build early interest and technical foundations in the fast-growing global space sector.
According to Henok Teferra Shawl, the initiative is delivered in collaboration with local educational institutions and government agencies. Participating schools are selected by national Ministries of Education and Ministries of Science and Technology in the participating countries.
Shawl explained that the program aims to broaden young people’s understanding of career opportunities within the global space industry.
“Almost every child dreams of becoming an astronaut, but the space industry offers far broader opportunities — from building satellites and spacecraft and designing hardware and software to supporting mission control, launch operations, life-support systems and on-orbit research,” he said.
He added that Africa’s youthful population represents a major opportunity for the continent’s participation in the future of the global space economy.
“With its young and fast-growing population, Africa holds immense untapped potential. Through Pathways to Space, we try to connect that potential with real-world skills and future opportunities in the growing space ecosystem across the continent.”
A key feature of the 2026 program will be a student design challenge themed “The First African Spacesuit.” The challenge will introduce participants to spacesuit engineering, human-centered design and materials science through hands-on activities and guided workshops.
Students will also participate in virtual sessions with former astronauts and aerospace professionals connected to institutions such as NASA Johnson Space Center, Final Frontier Design and several leading U.S. universities.
Another component of the program will involve a high-altitude balloon mission, where students will gain practical experience in payload design, atmospheric science and data analysis.
Executive Director of FASESA, Sean Jacobs, said the initiative has become one of the continent’s most influential space education platforms.
“Pathways to Space has grown into one of Africa’s most impactful space education initiatives,” Jacobs said.
He noted that the 2026 edition reflects the organization’s commitment to expanding access to advanced STEM learning opportunities and equipping young Africans with the knowledge and confidence needed to participate in Africa’s emerging space sector.
Since its launch in 2024, the program has already reached more than 1,200 students across Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania.
