WiM-Africa Launches NextGen Programs for Future Miners

Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa) is committed to developing Africa’s future workforce in natural resources through its NextGen programs, as stated by Executive Director Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji. This announcement occurred during a courtesy engagement with the Ministry of Education, Republic of Liberia.

The engagement is part of WiM-Africa's broader initiative to implement school-based programs that promote natural resource awareness, girls’ leadership, STEM, and TVET readiness under the WiM-Africa Action Plan 2030. WiM-Africa's flagship programs include the WiM-Africa Future Minerals Leaders Club for primary school learners aged 8–13, which introduces children to concepts of natural resources and responsible citizenship, and the WiM-Africa NextGen Mining & Leadership Academy for secondary schools and TVET-linked institutions, targeting learners aged 13–20.

This Academy emphasizes responsible mining, geoscience awareness, and career readiness. Dr. Asokoro-Ogaji stressed the importance of preparing the future minerals workforce well before students enter higher education or the labor market.