Science Fest Africa 2026, organised by the Türkiye Maarif Foundation, has been held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, bringing together participants from across the continent in what organisers describe as Africa’s largest science festival.
The multi-day event gathered students, educators, policymakers and innovators from 27 countries, spanning regions from Madagascar and South Africa to Senegal and Ethiopia. Designed as a platform to foster collaboration in science, technology and education, the festival featured competitions, start-up showcases, panel discussions and interactive exhibitions.
The opening ceremony drew senior officials, diplomats and representatives from international organisations, alongside academics and education stakeholders. In his remarks, the president of the Türkiye Maarif Foundation, Mahmut Özdil, linked the event to Türkiye’s April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, emphasising the symbolic importance of youth engagement in science.
“Investing in youth is an investment in peace and progress,” he said. “It is an investment in a fairer, more sustainable common future.”
Özdil described the festival as a space where young people could turn ideas into practical solutions to contemporary challenges. He highlighted key areas of focus including artificial intelligence, robotics, agricultural innovation and environmental sustainability, noting that these sectors are critical to Africa’s long-term development.
Türkiye’s ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, Deniz Erdoğan Barım, also underscored the role of education and human capital in strengthening relations between Türkiye and African nations. Addressing participants, she encouraged young innovators to harness their creativity and skills.
“You are the most precious treasure of this continent,” she said. “Your creativity and energy are the keys to the future.”
Throughout the festival, students presented projects across disciplines such as electronics, computer science and sustainable technologies. Many of the innovations were tailored to local challenges, reflecting a growing emphasis on context-driven solutions.
Abdulkadir Dikbas, the foundation’s representative in Côte d’Ivoire, said the event offered hundreds of young participants the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and exposure. He noted that such platforms are essential in nurturing the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs on the continent.
A central panel discussion explored the role of science-based education in driving sustainable development. Speakers from international development agencies and regional institutions discussed how policy frameworks can better support innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly among young people.
The festival concluded with an awards ceremony recognising outstanding teams from several countries, including Guinea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Gabon, Cameroon, Tanzania, Ghana, Mali, Chad, Tunisia, Burundi and the host nation, Côte d’Ivoire.
Organisers said the event demonstrated the growing momentum of scientific collaboration across Africa and highlighted the importance of investing in youth-led innovation to address shared challenges.
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