A Breath of Science in Africa: Science Fest Africa
March 25, 2026
The Turkey Maarif Foundation (TMV) continues to make multifaceted contributions to the region’s development by integrating its educational activities on the African continent with science, technology, and culture. Science Fest Abidjan (SFA), a prime example of this vision, aims to bring African youth together around science and innovation. As a product of Turkey’s humanitarian and entrepreneurial approach spanning education, science, culture, and the arts, Science Fest Abidjan goes beyond being a mere science festival to emerge as a strategic platform contributing to Africa’s development. The Turkey Maarif Foundation, which operates one of the world’s largest educational networks, currently provides education to over 23,000 students across 27 African countries, preparing young people for the future in a comprehensive manner. The Foundation educates its students not only for academic success but also to become well-rounded individuals equipped with skills in scientific, technological, social, and cultural fields. This approach makes a significant contribution to the development of qualified human resources for Africa’s sustainable development. Held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, in 2025, Science Fest Abidjan garnered attention as one of the continent’s largest science and technology events. The festival featured approximately 200 high school students from 22 different African countries and 40 original projects. For this year’s second edition of the Festival, 25 countries across Africa participated in the application process. In the competition, which received a total of 160 project submissions from Maarif schools, innovative works spanning various fields—from agricultural technologies to artificial intelligence, and from environmental solutions to robotics—are taking center stage. This gathering serves not only as an event where projects are showcased but also as an international science platform where young people from different countries share knowledge and experiences.
The Turkey Maarif Foundation does not limit its contribution to Africa’s development to education alone. Through organizations such as Science Fest Abidjan and the Mali Sports Games, it brings together young talents from different countries to support cultural exchange and social development. The Foundation also plays a significant role in the internationalization of TEKNOFEST, enabling thousands of African students to participate in this process each year. In this way, young people gain the skills to contribute to their countries’ development while integrating into the global technology ecosystem.
What is SFA aiming for?
Science Fest Abidjan continues to serve as a powerful platform that unlocks young people’s potential and prepares them for the future, embodying the Turkey Maarif Foundation’s vision for Africa. This holistic approach adopted by the Foundation offers a people-centered and sustainable model for Africa’s development while building a vital bridge that connects the continent’s youth with science and technology.
