In a world where technological advancements are dictating the pace of change, a beacon of inspiration emerges from Nigeria. She is Amanda Obidike, an accomplished Data Scientist and non-profit leader. At the helm of STEMi Makers Africa, she’s trailblazing toward an inclusive future powered by technology, one young African at a time.
“STEMi Makers Africa is a non-governmental organization with a mission to empower a talent base of 2,000,000 young Africans with emerging technologies, real-world problem-solving skills to excel in STEM pathways, shape the future of work, and contribute to the development of our changing workforce by 2030,” says Amanda. Under her stewardship, STEMi Makers Africa has designed a ground-breaking technology solution called Project Kuongoza. Aimed at young women in MENA nations and Africa, it combines capacity development in STEM and mentorship to help these women access new markets and gain essential workplace skills. “We championed the highest ground-breaking record of 4,895 young girls in Africa and provided career opportunities to 118 women,” Amanda proudly states. With such feats, STEMi Makers Africa is painting a brighter, more inclusive future for women in tech.
Amanda’s vision goes beyond introducing technology to the youth. She aims to make STEM education equitable and accessible, regardless of geographical and infrastructural barriers. Her innovation is a first-to-market, teacher-centered learning management platform that functions with little or no internet, providing educators a platform to host virtual lab sessions and assign project-based tasks and research activities for students to build, create, and pursue careers in STEM and innovation. To date, 500-plus educators and 4,004 students are on board the platform. This innovation was recognized as a finalist for ‘Breakthrough of the Year’ in the Digital Education category at Falling Walls Berlin Engage 2020.
Looking back on her journey, Amanda’s professional goal as an African woman who was under-employed and depressed was to build an “Africa by us, for us” ecosystem that prepares diverse young talents with future-focused options in lucrative STEM pathways to become more experienced for Africa’s workforce. She firmly believes in the power of technology to drive socio-economic stability and shape a better future for the younger generation. “Being under-employed made me realize that 83.5% of graduates don’t have the required technical skills for lucrative and meaningful jobs available in Nigeria,” Amanda reflects on her past. It’s this realization that spurred her on to address the under-representation of young women and girls in STEM and the integration of STEM education in classrooms across Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2018, she founded STEMi Makers Africa to boost employment, innovation, and inclusion to empower a talent base of 2,000,000 young Africans.
Amanda’s most proud of playing a central role in launching Africa’s first teacher-centered platform for 7,000 educators. It cultivated a refined technology workforce – with little to no internet needed – to access local project-based learning tools, STEM tools, and an effective learning path to boost the achievement of 14,400-plus students in STEM subjects and standardization of STEM education across the Sub-Saharan African region. For Amanda, success is “the ability to transform and impact the life of others.” Her motivation comes from the feedback and testimonials of her beneficiaries, a testament to the effectiveness of her program. Her advice to herself and others on this journey is “to be fearless and take the courage to try while staying true to oneself.” Her business mantra echoes this sentiment: “Be of service to others, get yourself a mentor, practice resilience, and take the risk.”
She looks forward to strengthening national capacities in using assessment results to inform education policy, the informal sector, and system alignment between curricula, educator training, teaching, and learning practices, educational resources, and school management at the continental, national, and local levels. “We have a partnership that led to three partnerships with esteemed organizations and the government in coordinating continental STEM competitions across 13 African countries,” she shares. “We have upscaled our educators’ community platform for professional development, critical thinking, hands-on learning, and easy access to STEM teaching resources for their students to match world standards in STEM Pathways. I believe our work will guide us through setting up systematic processes for improved educator professional development and educational reforms that will directly align with the needs of the changing job market.”
“You have to be accountable and measurable,” advises Amanda to other women forging their path in their respective fields. “This can be through mentoring and joining support networks for inspiration and growth.” She believes that when women are empowered, the entire community benefits. Women nurture, grow, inspire, and leave indelible marks as role models. She envisions a world where gender-responsive design approaches in policies around technology and innovation ensure equal access for all women and girls. “I believe when we mainstream gender in digital policies, it can remove barriers to equal access for all women and girls,” she emphasizes. “This includes those living in poverty, within rural, maritime, or remote areas, with disabilities, while including indigenous women and girls, migrants, and older women.”
Amanda Obidike is indeed a beacon of hope, a trailblazer shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future. She embodies the belief that technology and education are the keys to empowering individuals and transforming societies. Her message to the world is clear: “Leave no one behind as we co-create and steer impact for all.” As we look towards a future of rapid technological advancement, Amanda’s vision of an inclusive and equitable world serves as an inspiration for all. Her tireless efforts to equip the youth with emerging technologies and real-world problem-solving skills paint a hopeful picture of what the future can be – a future shaped by us, for us. Through her work, Amanda Obidike is heralding a new era of empowerment, inclusion, and innovation.
