Pretoria, South Africa – May 22 – 25, 2023
The Focus on Africa Space Science and Technology 4 Future development (FAST4Future) initiative has been officially launched at the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), marking a significant step toward strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across Africa.
Key Highlights of the FAST4Future Initiative:
Collaborative Consortium: FAST4Future brings together a consortium of visionary nations, including Botswana, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Italy, and Sweden. This collaboration represents a powerful commitment to advancing STEM education and research in Africa.
Empowering Africa's Future: FAST4Future's primary objective is to empower the next generation of African leaders and innovators through Planetary and Space Science and Technology (PSST). This initiative aims to drive sustainable growth and job creation in a continent that is swiftly progressing into the 4th industrial revolution.
Key Objectives of FAST4Future:
Increased Accessibility: FAST4Future is dedicated to expanding the accessibility of STEM education within higher education institutions across Africa, breaking down barriers and ensuring that these critical fields are available to all who seek them.
Modernization: The initiative seeks to modernize existing PSST programs, aligning them with industry standards and policy frameworks. This modernization will equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Internationalization: By promoting staff mobility, FAST4Future aims to foster the internationalization of higher education institutions. This not only enriches the academic experience but also broadens horizons and encourages cross-cultural collaboration.
Standardization: FAST4Future will play a pivotal role in promoting the standardization of PSST programs in Africa. This standardization supports students' mobility, ensuring that educational qualifications are recognized and valued across the continent.
Center for Excellence and Virtual Platform: The initiative envisions the creation of a Center for Excellence, intricately linked to a virtual platform. This strategic move aims to enhance accessibility to the platform, fostering coordinated efforts and knowledge sharing.
About FAST4Future: FAST4Future is a pioneering initiative that stands at the forefront of driving STEM education and research in Africa. By bringing together a collaborative consortium of nations, it seeks to empower individuals, institutions, and nations to embrace the 4th industrial revolution. With a focus on accessibility, modernization, internationalization, and standardization, FAST4Future is poised to be a transformative force in African education and sustainable development