Zambia Celebrates First Yango STEM Fellowship Graduates to Drive Technological Innovation
The Yango STEM Fellowship Graduation was more than just a ceremony — it was a launchpad for Zambia’s next generation of innovators.
The Ministry of Technology and Science in Zambia hosted the Yango STEM Fellowship Graduation Ceremony on October 17, 2025, marking a major milestone in the nation’s journey toward technological transformation and youth empowerment. The event brought together government representatives, industry leaders, and young innovators to celebrate the inaugural cohort of Yango STEM Fellows — talented young men and women shaping Zambia’s future through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
In his keynote address, the Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix C. Mutati, MP, highlighted the Yango STEM Fellowship as a vital seed of innovation that will reshape Zambia’s technological landscape. He emphasized the importance of innovative funding models that not only provide financial assistance but also nurture creative, youth-driven ideas. Hon. Mutati encouraged the fellows to embrace resilience and perseverance, reminding them that failure is an essential part of the learning process on the road to success.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for innovation by improving digital infrastructure and implementing supportive policies such as the Inventors and Innovation Bill. He commended the Yango-STEM Foundation partnership for its meaningful contributions in mentorship and community spirit, invoking the principle of Ubuntu with the words, “If you eat alone, you choke.”
Delivering remarks on behalf of President Hakainde Hichilema, Mr. Jito Kayumba, the Special Assistant to the President for Finance and Investments, reiterated the government’s dedication to positioning technology at the heart of Zambia’s economic transformation. He encouraged the graduates to view societal challenges as business opportunities and to use innovation to drive real-world impact. Mr. Kayumba also called for the creation of a national innovation ecosystem that connects education, business, and government, while urging young people to participate in global energy transitions by leveraging Zambia’s rich mineral resources for innovation-led growth.
Representing Yango Zambia, Ms. Kabanda Chewe, the Country Director, described the fellowship as “a celebration of Zambia’s future.” She outlined how the program supports university STEM students through financial assistance, mentorship, and industry exposure. Fellows gained valuable, hands-on experience through partnerships with institutions such as FNB, Standard Chartered Bank, and ZANACO.
Ms. Chewe shared inspiring stories of success among the graduates. Elon, a Yango driver, used his earnings to fund his education and became a data-literate professional. Frida, the youngest fellow, won a jet competition and secured an internship with the Copperbelt Energy Corporation. Sophia, another standout fellow, financed her studies through her small baking business. These examples, Ms. Chewe noted, embody the resilience and creativity that define Zambia’s next generation of innovators.
She reaffirmed Yango’s commitment to supporting government efforts toward 80% digital inclusion, emphasizing that gender parity among the fellows reflects a growing culture of inclusivity in technology. She added that Yango remains dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration that drive Zambia’s digital economy forward.
The Yango STEM Fellowship Graduation was more than just a ceremony — it was a launchpad for Zambia’s next generation of innovators. The event underscored the power of collaboration between government, industry, and academia in building a tech-driven Zambia. Together, these partnerships are shaping a future where youth-led innovation fuels economic growth, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
