Africa's Future Space Leaders Get Boost from Boeing and FASESA - By Daisy BARRO



The Future African Space Explorer's STEM Academy (FASESA) and Boeing have announced the launch of the second edition of the "Pathways to Space" program, a collaborative educational initiative aimed at inspiring the next generation of African space professionals. The program, which debuted in 2024, will reach up to 300 students aged 13-18 from state schools in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria.

According to Kuljit Ghata-Aura, president of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia, "The 'Pathways to Space' program leverages Boeing's extensive experience in space, combined with FASESA's proven educational methodologies and deep understanding of the African educational landscape, to inspire the next generation to reach for the stars."

Sean Jacobs, executive director at FASESA, echoed this sentiment, stating, "We are proud to continue our partnership with Boeing. This program reflects our shared dedication to building Africa’s future workforce in space and other STEM fields."

The program's objective is to provide an immersive and interactive learning experience in space sciences and astronautics, sparking interest in the space industry and equipping students with essential skills for future success in aerospace careers. Over the next five months, participants will engage in weekly classes, hands-on simulations, and collaborative projects, including a capstone documentary on the importance of space exploration.

The "Pathways to Space" program aligns with the ambitious space exploration aspirations of the African continent. The African Union's launch of the African Space Agency (AfSA) on April 20, 2025, marks a significant milestone in advancing space technology across the continent. AfSA will coordinate space exploration efforts among its 55 member countries and facilitate international collaborations.

In Ethiopia, the space program is gaining momentum, with plans to launch a third Earth observation satellite by 2026 and a total of 10 satellites by 2035. Kenya's space agency, established in 2017, has successfully launched two satellites, including the operational Earth observation satellite Taifa-1 in 2023. Nigeria, with its space agency established in 1999, has launched six satellites, demonstrating its growing capabilities in space exploration.

FASESA and Boeing aim to expand the "Pathways to Space" program to other African countries in the future. Since 2008, Boeing has partnered with over 40 non-profit organizations in Africa, investing $22 million in education and economic empowerment initiatives.

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