In an exciting step toward nurturing Africa’s next generation of innovators, the Africa Earth Observation Challenge (AEOC) and Nka’Thuto EduPropeller have joined forces to launch AEOC Junior.
AEOC Junior is a school-based programme designed to introduce young learners (aged 14–18) to the world of Earth Observation, space technology, and innovation entrepreneurship. It bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world innovation, guiding learners from idea generation to startup creation. Through Earth Observation innovation clubs, learners will explore cutting-edge technologies, tackle community challenges, and develop solutions that could one day evolve into viable enterprises.
By combining Nka’Thuto’s proven innovation education model with AEOC’s continental ecosystem, the initiative seeks to build a pipeline of future-ready space and technology entrepreneurs across Africa.
Nka’Thuto EduPropeller was founded to address a challenge that its co-founder, Thandeka Mhlanga, experienced firsthand, the gap between academic research and innovation that creates tangible social and economic value.
“The inspiration for Nka’Thuto came from my own journey in science,” Mhlanga explains. “As a physics graduate, I saw how brilliant research never made it beyond the lab. I wanted to create a platform where young people could apply science and technology to solve real-world problems and learn to think like innovators and entrepreneurs.”
Since its founding, Nka’Thuto has worked with schools across South Africa, especially in rural and township communities, through its flagship Ideas to Concept Incubation Model. The model integrates STEM research principles, design thinking, and business strategy, empowering learners to use science as a springboard for innovation.
Through AEOC Junior, this approach will be expanded to include space science and Earth Observation applications, giving learners the tools to imagine, design, and develop solutions that leverage space technologies to address local challenges such as climate resilience, agriculture, and urban development.
“This is about opening doors for young Africans to explore space science in a meaningful way,” said Nandi Mtethwa, AEOC Lead and RIIS Junior Engagement Manager. “AEOC Junior gives learners the chance to turn their curiosity into innovation, and perhaps even the startups of tomorrow.”
Expanding Horizons Across Africa
For Mhlanga and her team, partnering with AEOC represents a natural next step in scaling Nka’Thuto’s impact beyond South Africa’s borders.
“We’ve always envisioned creating spaces where young Africans can exchange ideas across borders and learn from one another,” she said. “The AEOC’s Pan-African reach makes this possible. Together, we’re building an ecosystem where space technology becomes a shared language of innovation for Africa’s youth.”
AEOC and Nka’Thuto will co-develop learning materials and roll out the pilot phase in South African schools before expanding across the continent. The partnership will also support post-high school alumni, guiding them into innovation pathways that include startup development within the AEOC ecosystem.
Building Sustainable Impact
Beyond skills development, AEOC Junior is designed to inspire lifelong curiosity and empower young Africans to become active creators in the space economy.
“Our goal is to ignite a passion for space technology among youth, guide their career trajectories, and most critically, establish a supportive ecosystem that enables them to launch innovative space-sector enterprises,” said Mhlanga. “By doing so, we’re not only fostering innovation, but we’re also contributing to sustainable job creation and addressing South Africa’s unemployment challenge.”
The pilot phase of AEOC Junior will commence in early 2026, with participating schools forming the first cohort of innovators.
About AEOC
The Africa Earth Observation Challenge (AEOC), managed by RIIS, supports innovative solutions using space and Earth Observation data to address challenges across the African continent.
About Nka’Thuto EduPropeller NPO
Nka’Thuto EduPropeller is a South African non-profit organisation dedicated to bridging the gap between research and innovation. By introducing learners to science, technology, and entrepreneurship, Nka’Thuto equips young people to develop technology-based solutions that create social and economic value.
