CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 2, 2025 – In a landmark achievement, Namibia wins ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Award at the prestigious African Energy Week (AEW) 2025, held in Cape Town.
The award was presented during the Invest in African Energy Awards & Gala Dinner on September 30, celebrating youth innovation and sustainability-focused projects across the continent.
Namibia’s winning team impressed judges with an innovative waste-to-energy project that converts discarded fish waste into valuable bio-feed for plants.
Built on a 3D-printed frame, the system demonstrated how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) can drive sustainable farming, food security, and renewable energy solutions.
By transforming organic waste into nutrient-rich material, the project directly addresses hunger challenges in rural Namibia while promoting circular economy practices.
A Celebration of African Youth Innovation
The ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa initiative, in partnership with non-governmental organization JA Africa, has become a powerful platform for harnessing the creativity of young Africans.
Through a year-long program of quizzes, mentorships, and innovation camps, the initiative prepares students to develop scalable solutions in clean energy, water, sanitation, and agriculture.
This year’s finals brought together outstanding teams from Namibia, Nigeria, Angola, and Mozambique.
Each team presented projects designed to tackle urgent social and environmental challenges in their home countries, reinforcing Africa’s growing leadership in youth-driven innovation.
Other Standout Projects at AEW 2025
While Namibia took home the grand prize, other teams also showcased groundbreaking solutions:
Nigeria (Second Place): The Nigerian team presented UltraClean, a solar-powered water purification system tailored for schools and households.
Using a three-step process of sand filtration, charcoal purification, and biochar creation, the system not only produces clean water but also generates fertilizer from waste materials.
Angola (Third Place): Angola’s team developed a solar-powered solution to extract waste from water sources, mitigating waterborne diseases and supporting the country’s tourism industry.
The system also demonstrated potential for plastic waste conversion into revenue streams.
Mozambique (Fourth Place): The Mozambican project tackled sanitation and energy by converting human waste into biogas, which was then used to generate electricity.
Combining a carousel and biodigester, the innovation addressed clean water access, sanitation for children, and irrigation-driven agriculture.
ExxonMobil and JA Africa Driving STEM
The ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Award reflects ExxonMobil’s broader commitment to empowering young Africans through STEM education and innovation.
By equipping youth with tools to create market-ready solutions, the initiative strengthens Africa’s ability to confront challenges such as food insecurity, waste management, and clean energy access.
Speaking at the event, representatives from ExxonMobil highlighted the role of Namibia’s victory in inspiring a new generation of African innovators.
“The creativity and determination displayed by these teams show that Africa’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow – they are shaping solutions today.
We are proud to support platforms like STEM Africa that unlock potential and drive meaningful impact,” an ExxonMobil spokesperson said.
A Defining Moment for Namibia
For Namibia, winning the top prize is more than just recognition – it is a call to accelerate the integration of STEM-based solutions into national development strategies.
By converting fish waste into bio-feed, the project provides an eco-friendly solution to waste management, enhances local farming, and contributes to both food security and renewable energy access.
Local experts noted that the Namibian team’s success at AEW 2025 highlights the country’s growing potential as a hub for sustainability innovation in Southern Africa.
“This award places Namibia firmly on the map as a center for practical STEM-driven solutions,” said one industry observer.
Empowering the Next Generation
The African Energy Chamber, which hosted AEW 2025, praised the competition for showcasing how Africa’s youth can actively participate in solving critical global challenges.
By providing exposure, mentorship, and recognition, the ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Award continues to build a pipeline of innovators equipped to drive Africa’s energy transition and sustainable development goals.
As the applause for Namibia’s win echoes across Cape Town, the broader message of AEW 2025 is clear: Africa’s youth, armed with STEM skills and creativity, are already delivering solutions that can transform communities and drive long-term economic growth.
SOURCE: African Energy Chamber
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber
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