Nairobi, Kenya — UNESCO has been announced as a strategic partner of the Women in STEM Africa Summit 2026, strengthening efforts to advance opportunities for women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics across Africa.
The summit, organized by Women in Tech and Innovation Africa (WITIA), will take place on 3rd–4th September 2026 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
UNESCO Strengthens Commitment to Women in STEM
UNESCO’s partnership with the Women in STEM Africa Summit comes at a time when increasing access to technology and STEM education is becoming critical to Africa’s digital transformation.
Through initiatives supporting educators, digital literacy and STEM learning, UNESCO has contributed to efforts aimed at helping girls and women gain the knowledge and skills needed to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
In Kenya and across the continent, initiatives focused on areas such as robotics, coding, artificial intelligence and 3D design are helping young people move beyond simply consuming technology to developing the confidence and capabilities to create with it.
The partnership therefore represents more than institutional support for an event. It highlights the importance of collaboration between international organizations, governments, educators, technology companies, innovators and communities in creating a more inclusive STEM ecosystem.
WITIA’s Vision for Africa’s STEM Future
The Women in STEM Africa Summit is part of WITIA’s broader commitment to creating opportunities for women and girls to participate, lead and innovate in technology.
The organization recognizes that simply providing access to technology is not enough. Sustainable change requires mentorship, education, investment, leadership opportunities and supportive ecosystems that allow women and girls to turn their potential into meaningful careers and businesses.
By bringing together policymakers, educators, innovators and investors, the summit aims to create conversations and partnerships capable of addressing some of the barriers that continue to limit women’s participation in STEM.
From Access to Leadership
Africa’s technology sector is expanding rapidly, creating opportunities across artificial intelligence, software development, telecommunications, cybersecurity, robotics, digital finance and other emerging fields.
However, ensuring that women and girls are part of this growth requires deliberate action.
The Women in STEM Africa Summit seeks to move the conversation beyond representation and toward participation and leadership.
That means creating environments where women can become engineers, researchers, founders, developers, policymakers, investors and technology leaders who actively shape Africa’s digital future.
A Platform for Collaboration
The summit will provide an opportunity for stakeholders from across the STEM ecosystem to connect, exchange ideas and explore partnerships.
For policymakers and educators, the event offers a platform to discuss how education systems can better prepare girls for technology-driven careers.
For innovators and entrepreneurs, it creates opportunities to showcase ideas and connect with potential partners and investors.
For young women entering STEM, the summit can provide exposure to mentors, professionals and organizations working to expand opportunities in the sector.
The presence of UNESCO as a strategic partner further underscores the importance of building partnerships that can translate conversations about inclusion into practical action.
Women in STEM Africa Summit 2026
The Women in STEM Africa Summit 2026 will be held on 3rd–4th September at KICC, Nairobi.
The event brings together people and organizations committed to building a stronger and more inclusive STEM ecosystem for Africa.
With UNESCO joining WITIA as a strategic partner, the summit is positioned to generate greater attention around the role of women and girls in Africa’s technology and innovation future.
For participants, the event presents an opportunity to discover talent, drive innovation and shape Africa’s future.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to secure their tickets and take part in the conversations and partnerships shaping the continent’s STEM landscape.
Discover Talent. Drive Innovation. Shape Africa’s Future.
