If you walked into the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos on July 20, 2025, you would not have guessed it was a tech festival. The air buzzed with laughter, light, and learning. Over 3,000 children moved from booth to booth, their eyes lit up by flying drones, talking robots, and the sheer magic of science brought to life. At the heart of it all stood Access Bank, the title sponsor of the fifth edition of STEM Africa Fest, a gathering that fused fun, technology, and purpose into one unforgettable day.
For Access Bank, this wasn’t just another CSR activity. It was a loud and clear statement of intent, a commitment to equipping African children with the tools to own the future. Themed “AI for Good: Solving Real World Problems,” this year’s event pushed boundaries, offering hands-on exposure to emerging technologies through curated experiences across several learning zones.
From building chatbots to flying virtual planes, students were immersed in the world of STEAM; science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. At the AI Corner, young attendees created animated avatars and tested how machine learning works in everyday life. In the Robotics Lab, they performed mock-surgeries using robotic arms. The Renewable Energy Pavilion demystified solar power generation, while the Electric Vehicle Showcase offered an up-close look at the inner workings of battery-powered cars.
One of the most popular attractions was the Virtual Reality Lounge, where students journeyed through space, explored underwater worlds, and stepped into historical moments all without leaving the room. Another crowd favorite was the Coding Bootcamp, where children built games, tested AI art tools, and learned that code is not just for grownups.
Schools were ushered through the festival in carefully timed rotations, ensuring that every child could engage deeply with each interactive zone. Volunteers, facilitators, and staff ensured that the experience remained smooth, engaging, and empowering from start to finish.
“It’s like Disney World for tech,” exclaimed a teacher from Ajegunle Unity School, her voice nearly drowned out by cheers from a group of kids who had just completed a virtual flight simulation.
According to Daniel Awe, Group Head of the Africa FinTech Foundry, an Access Bank initiative, the sponsorship reflects a deeper strategy. “This is more than an event. It is a foundation for Africa’s future. Nations like China, the United States, and Germany became global tech leaders because they invested early in their youth. We are doing the same,” he said.
His words were echoed by co-convener Titi Adewusi, who described the event as a movement rather than a moment. “We are raising innovators and problem solvers who will shape Africa’s future. This is not just about gadgets; it is about mindset, skill, and belief,” she said.
Access Bank’s Programme Manager for Education at Access Holdings, Kosiso Iwugo, offered more context. “Technology is now at the heart of every industry. From banking to agriculture, security to education. We want these children to grow up seeing technology not as a threat, but as a tool for impact.”
Since its inception, STEM Africa Fest has reached over 20,000 children across the continent. This year’s Lagos edition builds on a legacy that spans cities like Abuja, Ilorin, and countries such as Ghana, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Kenya, Rwanda, and The Gambia.
In supporting the 2025 edition, Access Bank is doing what few institutions are willing to do investing in the future with intention. It is not just championing digital literacy; it is building the next generation of African innovators, one child at a time.
