On the 19th of July 2025, the Landmark Event Centre buzzed with the energy of over 3,000 curious minds. They weren’t just here to learn about AI — they were here to explore it, experiment, and see how it can solve real-world problems. It was the fifth edition of STEM Africa Fest, Africa’s largest STEM-focused festival for children, and this year, the conversation revolved around one powerful question: How can artificial intelligence be harnessed to solve real-world problems and create positive change?
For the organizers, 9ijakids and STEM-METS, the festival is more than an annual fixture. Since its inception in 2021, it has reached over 20,000 children, parents, and educators across Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, Rwanda, Gambia, Kenya, and Sierra Leone, with each edition designed as a hands-on laboratory for the future, connecting African children to the tools, ideas, and skills they will need to thrive in a tech-driven world.
This year’s festival was especially timely. Across Africa, AI adoption is accelerating, and so is the opportunity for young people to engage with it creatively and practically. Themed “AI for Good,” STEM Africa Fest positioned AI not as a distant concept, but as a practical tool children could experiment with, code, and apply to solve problems. The festival featured a wide array of hands-on STEAM activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Children engaged in robotics challenges, coding exercises, virtual reality explorations, drone flights, engineering projects, and science experiments. These interactive sessions gave attendees the chance to learn by doing, build confidence in problem-solving, and see firsthand how technology can be used to tackle real-world challenges.
In addition to workshops, children attended tech career talks, gaining insights into emerging fields and the skills they will need to thrive in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. From VR explorations to drone flights, each session was designed not only to teach but to delight, immersing children in the wonders of science and technology.
A major highlight was the live AI demonstration by Malik Afegbua, globally renowned Creative AI Technologist and creator of The Elder Series. He showed children how AI could go beyond machines and code to become a medium for storytelling, creativity, and cultural expression — perfectly illustrating the festival’s theme, “AI for Good.”
Adding to the excitement was the highly anticipated raffle draw, where three lucky attendees — including Olayinka Samuel Favour, who won a tablet, and Fisaju Joel Champion, who received a smartwatch — walked away with exciting prizes. The raffle created a festive atmosphere across the event grounds and highlighted the festival’s commitment to engagement, fun, and accessibility.
Why STEM Africa Fest Matters
Speaking on the impact of the festival, Mrs. Jadesola Adedeji, Co-founder of STEM Africa Fest and co-organiser, highlighted its mission to equip children with practical skills and spark a passion for innovation. She said: “Each year, STEM Africa Fest reminds us of what is possible when children are given the space to explore, question, and build. This isn’t just about STEM — it’s about unlocking potential and preparing a generation of young Africans to lead boldly in a tech-driven world. We are proud to create an experience that is both joyful and deeply transformative.”STEM Africa Fest 2025 proved once again that hands-on learning and curiosity are at the heart of nurturing Africa’s next generation of innovators. The festival continues to grow as a platform for inspiring problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation across the continent. For those who want to learn more about STEM Africa Fest, upcoming editions, or how to participate, visit the official website at www.stemafricafest.org.
