Are you a young woman studying or working in science, technology, engineering or maths, or thinking about switching into a STEM career? STEMi Makers of Africa is accepting applications for Project Kuongoza for Women and Girls 2026/27, a free six-month online mentorship and fellowship programme that pairs young women with experienced professionals in STEM and innovation. “Kuongoza” means “to lead” in Swahili. The reported deadline is 30 November 2026.
Programme at a Glance
- Organiser: STEMi Makers of Africa
- What it is: Mentorship and fellowship programme for women in STEM and innovation (STEMi)
- Format: Online (digital mentorship)
- Duration: Six months
- For: Young women aged 18–35 in STEM or interested in moving into it
- Focus regions: Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
- Cost: Free to apply
- Reported deadline: 30 November 2026
About Project Kuongoza
Women make up about half the population in Africa and the MENA region, but only a small share of STEM students, researchers and professionals. STEMi Makers of Africa, a social enterprise that promotes science and innovation among young Africans, created Project Kuongoza to help close that gap.
The programme pairs each participant with a professional mentor or leader for six months of guidance. It aims to build confidence, communication and leadership skills, and to make a STEM career feel as achievable as any other. Participants who finish a capstone project become Project Kuongoza Fellows.
Benefits
- A personal mentor working in STEM or innovation
- Six months of structured guidance through meetings, assignments and project work
- Support with your own goal: you can name a project or challenge you want help with
- Leadership, communication and confidence building
- A capstone project to show practical experience
- Fellow status when you complete the programme
- A network of women in STEM across Africa and beyond
Eligibility
- You are a young woman aged 18 to 35.
- You are studying or working in a STEM field, or you want to move into a STEM career.
- You are willing to complete a capstone project, which is required to finish the programme and become a Fellow.
- You can commit to a six-month programme.
The application asks for your highest level of education, with options from high school certificate to postgraduate degree, so you don’t need a university degree to apply.
What the Application Asks
- Your personal details, country of residence and nationality
- Your STEM field (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) and your main and secondary interests, such as AI, data analysis, cybersecurity, clean technology, energy, biology, eHealth or the environment
- A possible career you’re aiming for (optional)
- Your highest level of education
- A short biography (about 100 words)
- Why you want to join and what makes you a good candidate (about 200 words)
- Any specific project, challenge or goal you want a mentor’s help with
- How many hours a month you can commit
Tips for a Strong Application
- Be specific about your goal. “I want to build a data portfolio and land my first analyst job” is stronger than “I want to grow in tech”.
- Bring a real project. If you have an idea, such as an app, a research question or a community STEM club, describe it. It could become your capstone.
- Be realistic about time. Give an honest number of hours a month you can commit, and stick to it.
- Write your answers offline first. Draft the 100-word bio and 200-word motivation in a document, check the word counts, then paste them in.
- Use your real career interest. Choosing interests that match your story makes it easier to pair you with the right mentor.
How to Apply
- Open the official Project Kuongoza 2026/27 application form.
- Fill in your details, STEM interests, biography and motivation.
- Agree to take part in the six-month programme.
- Submit before the reported deadline of 30 November 2026.
Note: The 30 November deadline comes from published listings. The form itself doesn’t show a closing date, so apply early. For questions, email [email protected].
Apply for Project Kuongoza for Women and Girls 2026/27
