Developing African talent capable of inventing the solutions of tomorrow: this is the ambition of the Yango Fellowship, a support program dedicated to students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Deployed in Senegal alongside five other African countries—Côte d'Ivoire, Zambia, Mozambique, Ethiopia, and Ghana—the Fellowship is part of a pan-African initiative that focuses on the potential of young people to address the continent's economic and social challenges.

Designed to unlock the potential of young STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) talent, the Yango Fellowship is a support program combining financial assistance, expert mentorship, and access to a pan-African network of young innovators. It aims to help students transform their skills and ideas into concrete solutions that address the economic and social challenges facing their communities.

Following successful launches in Ivory Coast and Zambia, the program is now entering a new pan-African phase, designed to foster collaboration between young talents from different countries and encourage the emergence of a generation of STEM professionals open to the continent.

Addressing STEM training and employability challenges in Senegal and Africa

Across Africa, the demand for scientists, engineers, and technology experts far exceeds the supply of graduates. According to the World Bank, sub-Saharan Africa faces a shortage of over 2.5 million STEM professionals, while only 10 to 15% of young people have access to quality digital or technical training. In Senegal, a survey by Afrobarometer and CRES (Consortium for Economic and Social Research) indicates that young people clearly identify " the mismatch between their academic skills and the demands of the job market " as one of the main obstacles to their professional integration. This is why the Yango Fellowship is part of this dynamic, supporting high-potential students in pursuing STEM pathways aligned with market needs and digital opportunities.

“ Senegal is brimming with young talent, driven by strong creativity and a real ability to solve concrete problems. The Yango Fellowship was designed as a practical and structured program that connects these talents with mentors, resources, and a network, enabling them to develop solutions that benefit their communities. Its implementation in Senegal is fully aligned with the New Deal Technology initiative, the national strategy aimed at accelerating the country’s digital transformation. By joining a pan-African program, the Senegalese Fellows will also have the opportunity to collaborate with young innovators from other countries, share their expertise, and open themselves up to new perspectives beyond borders ,” explains Aïcha Niang, Country Director of Yango in Senegal.

A pan-African dynamic oriented towards the future

From 2026 onwards, the Yango Fellowship will evolve into a sustainable pan-African network of STEM professionals, designed to extend beyond the program's annual cycles. This community will foster skills exchange, cross-border collaboration, and the development of innovative solutions with strong social and economic impact across the continent.

The Fellowship has already demonstrated its impact in other countries, where former Fellows have launched community projects, joined high-impact organizations, and become true role models within their ecosystems. Yango's local teams play a key role in supporting participants, working closely with educational and technological stakeholders.

Beyond the Fellowship

In Senegal, as in its other markets, Yango is committed to innovation and skills development through partnerships with universities and educational institutions. The company notably implements initiatives such as Urban Mobility Hackathons, enabling students and young professionals to work on concrete problems—such as urban traffic prediction—while developing practical and directly applicable skills.

How to apply

Applications are open to university students aged 18 to 25 , enrolled in STEM programs, until January 26, 2026. More information: yangofellowship.com