Dr. Jost Henkel Stiftung and iiAfrica Collaborate on the Industry Immersion Program (IIP) for STEM Graduates in 2022 and 2023

May 2024

Cape Town, South Africa & Accra, Ghana - Dr. Jost Henkel Stiftung and iiAfrica are excited to announce their partnership in the Industry Immersion Program (IIP), aimed at enhancing the employability and leadership skills of STEM graduates across Africa. This collaboration provides transformative opportunities for up to 15 exceptional STEM graduates each year, offering them immersive internship experiences that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry practice.

A Commitment to Innovation and Diversity

With a legacy of supporting educational initiatives and fostering gender diversity in education, Dr. Jost Henkel Stiftung's involvement underscores its commitment to empowering underrepresented groups in the sciences. This partnership aligns seamlessly with iiAfrica's mission to support the future workforce and provide talented STEM students with the chance to embark on dynamic careers in data analytics and business intelligence.

Transformative Impact

Since its inception, the IIP has consistently demonstrated its value by equipping young graduates with the tools needed to thrive in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape. In 2022 and 2023, the collaboration with Dr. Jost Henkel Stiftung enabled 65 students to undergo targeted training and gain real-world experience, significantly enhancing their employability and leadership capabilities. Dr. David Attipoe, CEO of iiAfrica, commented, "The opportunity for a recent graduate to secure meaningful employment after completing studies in Africa not only impacts the individual but also creates a ripple effect within the entire community, especially when that talent progresses to a managerial position in a few years."

Empowering the Future of STEM

The partnership has placed a strong emphasis on digital skills and women's advancement in STEM fields. By providing a platform for these individuals to excel, the IIP acts as a catalyst for positive change, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in STEM across Africa.

Program Success and Future Goals

Over the past two years, the program has trained 214 students, with 50% being women, and placed 163 graduates into internships across Africa. The impact of these efforts has been remarkable, with many participants advancing to leadership roles and becoming innovators in their fields after just a couple of years. As the program looks to the future, the goal is to expand its reach and impact, empowering even more graduates to become catalysts for change and innovation. This initiative not only prepares students for the workforce but also aims to elevate them to leadership positions, showcasing the transformative power of targeted support in education.

Join the Movement

iiAfrica invites stakeholders, businesses, and educational institutions to join this endeavour. By supporting the IIP, partners can directly contribute to nurturing future leaders, promoting gender diversity, and driving progress and innovation in the industry. For more information about the Industry Immersion Program (IIP) and partnership opportunities, please contact:
info@iiafrica.org
Office: Foreshore Place, 2 Riebeek St, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa;

144 Nii Annan St., West Legon, Accra, Ghana

Together, we can inspire a new generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and visionaries who will shape the future of STEM and lead us towards a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Akosua Opoku
Communications Officer,
info@iiafrica.org

About Dr. Jost Henkel Stiftung

The Dr. Jost Henkel Stiftung is dedicated to supporting educational excellence and fostering innovation. With a focus on empowering underrepresented groups, the foundation contributes to creating a diverse and inclusive atmosphere within the scientific community.

About iiAfrica

Industry Immersion Africa (iiAfrica) is a pan-African Non-Profit organisation (NPO) with public benefit organisation (PBO) status dedicated to enhancing STEM graduate employability and entrepreneurship in Africa. iiAfrica aims to ensure that African talents are at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).