The African Gifted Foundation (AGF) is doing vital work, supporting young women across Africa with a world-class STEM education. Founded in 2010 by Tom Ilube CBE, AGF addresses the gender imbalance in STEM fields by nurturing the continent's brightest minds. As part of our ongoing "Spotlight On" blog series, we chat to Partnerships Manager George Handscomb.
Tom Ilube, a technology entrepreneur and philanthropist, recognised the untapped potential of Africa's young women in STEM. Initially running summer schools, AGF expanded in 2016 to establish the African Science Academy (ASA) in Accra, Ghana. Today, ASA offers intensive, 11-month Cambridge International A-level courses in Maths, Further Maths, and Physics to 50 gifted students annually – all on full scholarships.
"We aim to foster responsible young leaders who appreciate their opportunity and feel compelled to give back. STEM education is not just about academic excellence; it’s about creating change-makers who address Africa's challenges."
George Handscomb, Partnerships Manager at AGF.
Breaking barriers and reaching for the moon
The demand for ASA places is overwhelming, with 1,000 applicants competing for just 50 spots in 2024. Students hail from 14 different countries, each bringing diverse experiences and perspectives. The results speak for themselves: 100% of ASA students achieved A*-C grades in 2024, and 90% of alumni have secured scholarships to universities worldwide, from Columbia University to the University of Hong Kong.
Take Semiat Ayeni, who joined ASA at just 14. She excelled with top grades and earned a full scholarship to study at Hong Kong University at 15. Another shining star, Manuela Kwawu, is now part of a NASA initiative, building the first student-designed satellite.
What's next?
AGF's mission extends beyond academic success. Their teacher training programs have upskilled over 550 secondary school maths teachers, indirectly benefiting 55,000 students across Ghana. ASA students also volunteer as teaching assistants in under-resourced schools, reinforcing the foundation’s belief in community-driven growth.
Looking ahead, AGF has ambitious plans. A new campus, set to open in 2026, will triple student capacity to 150. By 2031, AGF aims to have educated 1,000 young women. Even more exciting is the long-term vision of launching the African Science Institute (ASI) – a university focused on cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and data science.
"Our goal is to create a visible, accessible pathway from school to university. We want to build a STEM ecosystem that retains talent within Africa and drives local innovation."
George Handscomb, Partnerships Manager at AGF.
Join Bank of America in supporting their success
Supporting AGF is an investment in Africa's future. From funding scholarships to providing mentorship, partners like Bank of America have already seen the tangible impact of their contributions, with ASA alumnae now working in their London offices. They are creating future where Africa's brightest minds lead the way in science, technology, and innovation.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.africangifted.org or reach out to GoodFX. We can help repurpose your banking fees to support AGF and support the Semiats and Manuelas of the future.