SWIS Africa Launches SWIS EmpowHER Program 2026 to Empower Final-Year Female STEM Students Across Nigeria

SWIS Africa is proud to announce the launch of the SWIS EmpowHER Program 2026, a bold new initiative designed to support final-year female STEM students across Nigeria as they transition into the next phase of their careers. This year, we are excited to partner with Top 100 African Future Leaders to expand our reach and deepen our impact.

Across universities in Nigeria, we will be selecting outstanding final-year students in STEM to join one of three focused career streams: academia, industry, or entrepreneurship. These tracks are designed to meet students where they are and provide tailored support based on their aspirations, whether they aim to pursue advanced research, enter the workforce, or build innovative ventures.

The SWIS EmpowHER Program is proudly sponsored by the European Union through the Global Youth Mobilization Fund, enabling us to provide high-quality training, mentorship, and resources to participants. Through this support, we are not only investing in individual students but also strengthening the future of STEM across Nigeria.

Selected participants will engage in an intensive mentorship phase lasting eight weeks, where they will be guided by experienced professionals and leaders in their respective fields. This mentorship experience will provide practical insights, career guidance, and access to valuable networks that are often out of reach for many young women.

The program will culminate in a final project and presentation, where participants will showcase their learning, ideas, and growth. This final phase is designed to reinforce practical application, build confidence, and prepare participants to step boldly into their chosen paths.

At its core, SWIS EmpowHER is more than a program. It is a movement to close the gap between education and opportunity for young women in STEM. By equipping participants with the skills, mentorship, and exposure they need, we are building a generation of women who are ready to lead, innovate, and shape the future.

We are excited about the journey ahead and the impact this cohort will create across Nigeria and beyond.