19/10/2025
🌟 Empowering Zambia’s Future Innovators: The Yango STEM Fellowship Graduation Ceremony-17th October 2025
The Yango STEM Fellowship Graduation marked a milestone in Zambia’s technological transformation journey. The event brought together government representatives, industry leaders, and young innovators to celebrate the inaugural cohort of Yango Fellows — young men and women redefining Zambia’s future through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The Minister of Technology and Science Hon. Felix C.Mutati, MP was the key note speaker. He emphasized that the Yango STEM Fellowship serves as a vital seed of innovation to reshape Zambia’s technological future. He highlighted the importance of innovative funding mechanisms that not only provide financial aid but also align with and nurture creative, youth-driven ideas.
Hon. Mutati stressed the values of resilience and perseverance, reminding participants that failure is part of the learning process on the road to success. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to go beyond financial support by fostering an enabling environment, enhancing 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, passion, and community spirit — invoking the principle of Ubuntu, stating that “if you eat alone, you choke.”
Key Issues Raised:
Insufficient government resources to fund all innovators.
The need for sustained private-sector partnerships to keep innovation thriving.
The call for graduates to transform their ideas into impactful, real-world solutions.
Mr. Jito Kayumba, Special Assistant to the President for Finance and Investments
Key Highlights:
Mr. Kayumba conveyed President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to technological advancement, emphasizing that technology is central to Zambia’s economic transformation.
He inspired young innovators to view societal challenges as business opportunities, urging them to create solutions that can transform lives and generate wealth.
He emphasized the role of STEM in bridging skills gaps, encouraging continuous learning and collaboration.
Mr. Kayumba urged fellows to participate in global energy transitions, leveraging Zambia’s rich mineral resources for innovation-driven growth.
He advised youth to associate with optimistic and visionary peers, warning that negativity can derail innovation.
Key Issues Raised:
Skills gaps in the education system limiting STEM advancement.
The need to harness Zambia’s resource potential through innovation.
The importance of creating a national innovation ecosystem connecting education, business, and government.
Ms. Kabanda Chewe, Country Director, Yango Zambia
Key Highlights:
Ms. Chewe described the Yango Fellowship as more than a graduation — a celebration of Zambia’s future.
She outlined the impact of the Yango STEM Fellowship, which supports university STEM students through financial assistance, mentorship, and industry exposure.
Fellows gained hands-on experience through workshops, volunteering, and networking with industry leaders from institutions such as FNB, Standard Chartered Bank, and ZANACO.
She celebrated the success stories of fellows:
Elon, a Yango driver who funded his education and became a data-literate professional.
Frida, the youngest fellow, who won a jet competition and secured an internship at the Copperbelt Energy Corporation.
Sophia, an entrepreneur who financed her studies through baking.
Ms. Chewe reaffirmed Yango’s commitment to complementing government efforts in building a digital economy and achieving the President’s vision of 80% digital inclusion.
She proudly noted gender parity among the fellows, reflecting inclusivity in technology.
Key Issues Raised:
The need to align STEM education with industry requirements.
The importance of inclusive innovation, ensuring equal opportunities for women and men.
Strengthening the link between academic knowledge and real-world application.
The Yango STEM Fellowship Graduation was not just a ceremony but a launchpad for Zambia’s next generation of innovators.
Government committed to creating an enabling environment for innovation.
Private sector partners like Yango showcased their vital role in funding, mentoring, and nurturing young talent.
The fellows emerged as symbols of resilience, creativity, and Zambia’s digital future.
Together, these partnerships are shaping a tech-driven Zambia where youth-led innovation fuels economic transformation, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
