US-based global major aerospace group Boeing and the Future African Space Explorers STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Academy (FASESA) have announced that 1 313 South African learners were among the 2 626 African students who graduated from the third annual Pathways to Space programme. The other students were composed of 832 from Ethiopia, 431 from Nigeria and 50 from Kenya. This year was the first time that South Africa had participated in the programme.

The initiative was aligned with the continent’s growing space sector and with the regional coordination provided by the AU African Space Agency. Since it was launched in 2024, almost 3 500 students from across Africa had graduated from Pathways to Space. 

The 2026 programme ran for five months during which the learners studied basic astronautical principles, systems engineering, materials science and human factors. They did so by means of project work and a high-altitude balloon mission. This strengthened their data-analysis skills.

“By pairing students across the continent with distinguished industry mentors and real aerospace engineering challenges, we are helping build a homegrown talent pipeline that will power Africa’s contributions to the global space economy for decades to come,” highlighted Boeing MD for Africa Henok Teferra Shawl. The learners had virtual sessions with US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) former astronauts and space professionals, experts at leading universities, and space suit design and testing company Final Frontier Design. These experts included Capitol Technology University Astronautical and Space Engineering Chair Prof Jeff Volosin, and bioemedical engineer and former Nasa aquanaut (yes, aquanaut) Dr Andrew Abercromby.

“Pathways to Space is not only preparing students to pass examinations and earn qualifications, but also equipping them to solve real-world challenges and make meaningful contributions to society,” explained FASESA MD Sean Jacobs. “The programme is already producing remarkable success stories. One of our learners was selected to participate in Mission ShakthiSAT, an inspiring international all-women-led lunar mission, while another designed a parabolic-grid radio telescope – demonstrating the innovation, technical excellence, and problem-solving capabilities the programme is cultivating across Africa.”

During this year’s programme, the students were presented with a new design challenge – to prototype space suit concepts and test approaches to problem-solving that were in line with the real needs of industry.