Young innovators from four African countries are taking their STEM projects from national competitions to the regional stage at Africa Energy Week 2026 in Cape Town.
The 2026 ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Program has completed its national phases in Angola, Mozambique, Namibia and Nigeria, with students aged 14 to 17 developing technology-based solutions to community and industry challenges. The four national champion teams are now receiving mentorship from ExxonMobil staff ahead of the regional competition.
The projects address practical problems in agriculture, education, water access and energy.
Angola’s IXIETU team from Instituto Politécnico Industrial de Luanda developed an AI-powered system for diagnosing and restoring soil quality in the Bom Jesus area. The project is designed to help farmers improve soil conditions and agricultural productivity.
In Mozambique, the ECOCARTEIRAS team developed a process for turning recycled plastic and sawdust into durable school desks, addressing both plastic waste and shortages of classroom furniture.
Namibia’s AQUA VOLT team created a water-harvesting and purification system for northern Namibia, where seasonal flooding can be followed by shortages of safe drinking water. The project focuses on Edundja village in the Ohangwena region.
Nigeria’s NEXORA NEXUS INVENTORS developed the Solar Hydro Smart Grid, which combines solar photovoltaic power, pumped-hydro storage, batteries and smart controls to provide electricity to underserved communities.
The four teams will present their projects at the regional ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Finals during Africa Energy Week 2026, which will take place in Cape Town from October 12 through 16. The official AEW program lists the STEM Africa Finals among the event’s sessions, where the students will pitch their solutions to a panel of ExxonMobil executives.
The program is run by Junior Achievement Africa in partnership with the ExxonMobil Foundation. JA Africa says the initiative combines STEM education with hands-on learning, mentorship and real-world problem solving, giving students experience in developing and presenting solutions to challenges in their communities.
The Cape Town final will give the four teams an opportunity to present their work to industry representatives and connect their classroom experience with Africa’s wider energy and technology sectors.
