Namibia has emerged as the top winner of the ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Regional Finals, held during the African Energy Week (AEW) Invest in African Energy Awards & Gala Dinner on September 30, 2025. The Namibian youth team received the highest recognition for its groundbreaking project, Fish2Feed Energy, which transforms organic waste into valuable resources while promoting sustainability and food security.
Namibia’s Winning Project: Fish2Feed Energy
The highlight of Namibia’s success was Fish2Feed Energy, an innovative system that turns fish waste into bio-feed for plants. The project uses a 3D-printed frame to recycle waste into nutrient-rich products that support small-scale farmers. By addressing both environmental pollution and food insecurity, the project shows the strength of youth led science and technology. It delivers practical solutions to community challenges while contributing to global sustainability goals.
Nigeria’s UltraClean Innovation
Nigeria followed closely in second place with UltraClean, a solar-powered water purification system designed for schools and households. The system combines sand filtration, charcoal purification, and biochar creation to provide safe drinking water. At the same time, it recycles waste into fertilizer to improve farming. UltraClean highlights how integrated solutions can improve public health, reduce waste, and strengthen rural development.
Angola’s SolarPure Solution
In third place, Angola presented SolarPure, a project that uses solar power to clean contaminated water and convert plastic waste into revenue. The system reduces waterborne diseases and improves sanitation in communities. It also supports tourism by promoting cleaner environments and creates jobs through waste-to-revenue activities. SolarPure proves that renewable energy can protect the environment while driving economic growth.
Mozambique’s BioCycle Breakthrough
Mozambique took fourth place with BioCycle, a project focused on sanitation and renewable energy. Using a biodigester and carousel system, BioCycle converts human waste into biogas, later transformed into electricity for schools and households. Beyond energy production, it improves sanitation, increases clean water access, and supports irrigation for farming. The project demonstrates how a single solution can address multiple community needs at once.
A Shared Vision for Youth Led Sustainability
Together, these projects reflect the vision of the ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa initiative, run in partnership with JA Africa. Over the past year, young innovators took part in quizzes, workshops, and innovation camps. These activities equipped them with the knowledge and mentorship to design practical STEM-based solutions.
The 2025 finals at AEW delivered a clear message, Africa’s youth are not only future leaders but innovators shaping today’s sustainability agenda. From Namibia’s Fish2Feed Energy to Mozambique’s BioCycle, the projects prove that young minds can deliver scalable solutions to hunger, water scarcity, sanitation, and clean energy access. Read about more like this here
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