Highlights from COMSTEDA 19: Advancing STEM Education in Africa

The 19th Conference for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (COMSTEDA-19) brought together educators, policymakers, and researchers from around the world to discuss critical developments in STEM education. Held from November 22nd to 25th, 2022, in Kampala, Uganda, the conference marked a significant milestone in collaborative educational advancement.

With the theme “Teacher Professional Development in Africa: Knowledge, Skills, Values & Attitudes in STEM Learning Environments“, the conference exceeded expectations by attracting 827 participants from 14 countries, far surpassing the initial projection of 200 delegates. Attendees represented a diverse range of stakeholders, including ministry officials, researchers, teachers, students, and organizations committed to educational innovation.

The conference was officially opened by H.E Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports of Uganda. Her remarks emphasized the critical importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange for the benefit of African students. She highlighted the conference’s alignment with Uganda’s National Teachers’ Policy and the recently reviewed lower secondary curriculum.

Dr. Benson Banda, President of SMASE-Africa, provided additional perspective, noting the conference’s significance in addressing continental educational challenges. He stressed the need to bridge the gap between STEM aspirations and actionable strategies across African nations.

The conference featured a comprehensive program that explored teacher professional development, school culture and learning in STEM, curriculum development and assessment, and ICT integration in STEM education. Participants engaged through 44 presentations, two workshops, four exhibitions, and a fireside chat. A particularly innovative aspect of the conference was its blended model, which included both physical and virtual participation. By utilizing “hub” locations across Uganda, the conference enabled participation from remote areas, significantly expanding its reach and impact.

Delegates came from a wide range of countries, including African nations such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, as well as international participants from Jamaica, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

COMSTEDA-19 represents a crucial step in strengthening mathematics, science, and technology education across Africa, offering a platform for innovative ideas, best practices, and collaborative solutions that promise to transform educational approaches and opportunities for students across the continent.