Shaping African Women in STEM (SWIS Africa) has unveiled the SWIS Hub, a year-long digital innovation and mentorship initiative designed to boost young women’s participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across Nigeria. The programme offers practical digital skills, mentorship, scholarships, and access to career networks, beginning with a two-day Pop-Up Innovation Lab in Lagos where participants trained in artificial intelligence and data science.
The project is supported by the AU-EU Youth Action Lab Innovation Grant, co-funded by the European Union and African Union, and managed by Oxfam Novib. SWIS Africa was among several youth-led organisations across Africa and Europe awarded grants of €30,000 to €40,000. Founded by Nigerian academics Samuel Ogunsola and Abosede Salami, the organisation seeks to dismantle barriers limiting women’s access to mentorship, career information, professional networks, and role models in STEM.
Over the course of the year, SWIS Africa will host four innovation labs across Nigeria, focusing on artificial intelligence, data science, science communication, digital tools, and prototyping. The programme will also feature a six-month Media Fellowship for 20 young women in science communication, alongside the creation of 10 STEM Circles nationwide to encourage peer learning, collaboration, and networking. The initiative will culminate in an innovation showcase where participants present solutions to STEM professionals and stakeholders.
Executive Director Samuel Ogunsola emphasized the transformative impact of the programme, noting that each lab, mentorship session, and scholarship represents a life touched. Running from May 2026 to April 2027, the project aims to directly benefit more than 500 young women through training, mentorship, and digital learning opportunities. As Ogunsola put it, “We are changing lives and helping women in STEM get better, one young woman at a time.”