Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa – Future African Space Explorers STEM Academy (FASESA) and Boeing (NYSE: BA) have launched the third edition of the Pathways to Space program, expanding to South Africa for the first time. This year the team plans to train more than 2,000 high school students aged 13-18 in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.
The program is delivered in collaboration with local educational and government institutions, including participating state schools identified by the Ministry of National Education and the Ministry of Science and Technology.
“Almost every child dreams of becoming an astronaut, but the space industry offers far broader opportunities – from building satellites and spacecraft and designing hardware and software to support mission control, launch operations, life-support systems and on-orbit research,” said Henoch Tefera Schall, Boeing's managing director for Africa. “With its young and rapidly growing population, Africa has immense untapped potential. Through Spaceways, we strive to connect that potential to real-world skills and future opportunities in the growing space ecosystem across the continent.”
In 2026, event organizers will introduce a new design challenge under the theme “The First African Spacesuit”. Students will explore spacesuit engineering, human factors and materials science through practical, industry-aligned learning, including guided design workshops and virtual sessions with former astronauts and global aerospace professionals from NASA's Johnson Space Center, Final Frontier Design, and leading U.S. universities.
Another core component of the program will be a high-altitude balloon mission, during which students will deepen their practical understanding of payload design, atmospheric science and data analysis.
“Pathways to Space has become one of Africa’s most impactful space education initiatives,” said Sean Jacobs, Founder and Executive Director of FASESA. “The 2026 program reflects our commitment to expand reach, strengthen technical depth, and equip youth across the continent with the skills and confidence to participate in Africa’s space future.”
Since its 2024 launch, Pathways to Space has inspired more than 1,200 students in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania with plans for further expansion and curriculum enrichment.
This program reflects the acceleration of space ambitions across Africa, supported by the continental coordination role of the African Space Agency, launched by the African Union in 2025. Ethiopia is pursuing plans for additional Earth-observing satellites, while Kenya continues to expand satellite applications through the Kenya Space Agency. Nigeria is strengthening remote-sensing and communications capabilities, and South Africa remains the continent's most mature space ecosystem, with strong expertise in satellite development, space science and data applications.
About FASESA
The Future African Space Explorer's STEM Academy is a young and growing initiative aimed at bringing space exploration into the African classroom, with the majority of learners facing barriers to entry into the profession due to lack of access to information and resources. For more information about the organization and the 'Pathway to Space' program, please visit www.fasesa.com.
About Boeing Africa
A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing has been driving Africa's aviation development for more than seven decades, with Boeing's market share in African commercial aviation reaching 70%. Boeing has offices in Ethiopia and South Africa and field service representatives work with airlines throughout the continent. Over the past decade, Boeing has invested $14.5 million in community partnerships with academia and nonprofits in Africa. Over 43,500 people have participated in these educational programs across the continent in the last five years alone. For more information please visit https://www.boeing.africa
For media enquiries:
Zinhle Ndlovu
FASESA Marketing and Communications
zinhle@fasesa.com
Evgeniya Teterina
Boeing Communications
evgeniia.teterina@boeing.com