WOMEN IN STEM AFRICA SUMMIT 2026 CALLS FOR GREATER INVESTMENT IN WOMEN, INNOVATION AND SKILLS

By Christopher mbiti 

NAIROBI, Kenya, September 4, 2026 — African governments, institutions and private sector players have been urged to make deliberate investments in women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as the continent positions innovation at the centre of its economic transformation.

The Women in STEM Africa Summit 2026, organised by Women in Technology and Innovation Africa (WITIA) in partnership with UNESCO, concluded in Nairobi with a renewed call for stronger collaboration in unlocking opportunities for African women and young innovators.

Held on September 3 and 4 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) under the theme, “Discovering Talent, Driving Innovation, Shaping Africa's Future,” the summit brought together policymakers, educators, technology leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, researchers, students and development partners.

The discussions focused on leadership, innovation, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, responsible technology and creating sustainable opportunities for women and girls in STEM.

Among the key government representatives at the summit were Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, Dr Beatrice Inyangala.

The summit underscored the importance of strengthening education and research systems to prepare young Africans for a rapidly evolving technological environment, while ensuring women and girls are not left behind in the continent's digital transformation.

Participants noted that Africa possesses enormous talent, creativity and entrepreneurial potential, but unlocking that potential will require sustained investment in education, research, digital skills, infrastructure, mentorship, financing and inclusive innovation policies.

A key focus of the summit was the growing role of technology in driving Africa's development, with discussions exploring responsible artificial intelligence, data governance, technology policy and inclusion.

The sessions brought together leaders from the technology ecosystem to examine how Africa can embrace emerging technologies while putting in place responsible governance frameworks and policies that ensure innovation benefits communities across the continent.

The summit also created opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs to connect with investors through the Investor Pitch Arena, where startups and innovators presented their solutions before investors, industry leaders and potential partners.

In a boost for entrepreneurship, WITIA awarded the winning startup KES 500,000 to support the growth and scaling of its innovation.

Organisers said the initiative was designed to address the persistent challenge facing many African innovators — the gap between developing promising ideas and accessing the capital, networks and markets required to transform them into sustainable enterprises.

WITIA Founder and Chair Eunice Pohlman said the organisation's vision goes beyond simply increasing the number of women entering STEM fields.

“We do not want to build an Africa where women are simply participants in the technology economy. We want an Africa where women are designing the technologies, leading companies, conducting the research, shaping policy and building the solutions that will define our future,” she said.

Pohlman said the summit was intended to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity by bringing together institutions and stakeholders capable of supporting women throughout their STEM journey.

Gracie Wamwandu, WITIA's Fundraising and Partnerships Lead, emphasised the importance of cross-sector partnerships in building a sustainable innovation ecosystem.

“The conversations at this Summit demonstrate that no single organisation can build Africa's innovation ecosystem alone. We need government, industry, universities, investors and development partners working together to create pathways for women from the classroom to the laboratory, from the laboratory to the market and from the market to global impact,” she said.

The partnership between WITIA and UNESCO was also highlighted as an important institutional foundation, bringing together shared priorities in education, science, technology, innovation, inclusion and sustainable development.

Through programmes including technical training, mentorship, internships, scholarships and Smart Libraries, the organisation said it will continue working to bridge the gender and digital divide, particularly among underserved communities.

Ends.