Windhoek: The ExxonMobil Foundation, in partnership with JA Africa and Mindsinaction STEAM Centre, launched the 2026 STEM Africa 2.0 programme aimed at equipping learners with skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and artificial intelligence (AI). The launch coincided with the first ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Zonal Quiz, where learners from seven schools competed for places in the national STEM Innovation Camp scheduled for September.According to Namibia Press Agency, the programme is being implemented in Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, and Nigeria and builds on an initiative that has reached more than 10,000 young people across the four countries. It aims to equip an additional 4,000 learners aged between 14 and 17 with STEM and AI skills. ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Namibia Deputy General Manager and Public and Government Affairs Manager, Rachel Msiska, emphasized the importance of investing in young people for future development, noting that it helps bridge skil ls gaps and exposes them to emerging technologies.Msiska highlighted that a team from Delta Secondary School won gold at the 2025 continental finals after competing against teams from Angola, Mozambique, and Nigeria. Mindsinaction STEAM Centre Chief Executive Officer, Ndaudika Mulundileni, explained that the zonal quizzes are part of a national selection process for the STEM Innovation Camp, where learners answer questions on STEM-related subjects. The winning team will represent Namibia at Africa Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa.Forum for African Women Educationalists Namibia Country Director Ndaindila Kayofa encouraged learners to take full advantage of opportunities offered through STEM education, urging them to approach the programme with the same seriousness as any school exam. The STEM Africa 2.0 programme includes STEM and AI quizzes, zonal competitions, national innovation camps, and a continental showcase at Africa Energy Week.