On November 7, 2026, Togolaises In Science (TIS) hosted the first edition of its STEM Career Fair at the French Institute in Lomé, Togo. The event brought together nearly 200 participants, including 140 girls, to explore scientific and technological careers, orientation, and innovation. The fair aimed to inspire and connect young people, particularly girls, with STEM opportunities. Several public institutions, technical partners, and organizations engaged in education, development, environment, and digital technology participated in the event.
The STEM Career Fair was part of TIS's mission to inspire, connect, and equip Togolese girls and women to participate and thrive in STEM fields. The event built on the success of the STEM caravan, which traveled across Togo's five regions from October 26 to 30, 2026, reaching over 2,000 students, including 1,078 girls. The fair featured five main components, including thematic spaces for discovering STEM careers, an exhibition of training institutions, a panel on artificial intelligence, and a Hackathon competition.
One of the fair's main attractions was the discovery of STEM careers through thematic spaces led by professionals and specialized organizations. These spaces allowed participants to explore different scientific and technological domains, understand the required skills, and interact with sector actors. The activities provided a concrete approach to STEM careers, complementing discussions on academic and professional paths. Participants discovered the diversity of STEM applications in sectors like health, engineering, and mathematics.
The fair also hosted several higher education and training institutions, which presented their academic programs, training paths, and associated professional prospects. Institutions like EAMAU, IPNET Institute of Technology, ESIG Global Success, and Lomé Business School participated in the exhibition. This space facilitated access to direct information on available fields, specialization opportunities, and paths to accessing scientific and technological careers.
A highlight of the fair was a panel discussion on artificial intelligence and its impact on STEM careers, titled "Artificial Intelligence Redesigns STEM Careers: What Place for Women in this New Era?" The panel featured four Togolese professionals from complementary disciplines, who discussed the transformations induced by artificial intelligence and the opportunities it presents for women. The discussion aimed to encourage reflection on the evolution of careers, new skills required in the AI era, and the professional opportunities emerging.
During the fair, TIS presented its first version of TIS Connect, a digital solution designed to accompany students in discovering STEM careers. TIS Connect aims to help users explore scientific and technological careers based on their interests, identify matching careers, and access resources, inspiring models, and support devices. The solution seeks to extend TIS's support for young people beyond one-time events and make orientation more accessible and informed through technology.
The fair also showcased educational and playful STEM cards developed by TIS, which highlight Togolese women with inspiring stories in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These cards aim to introduce young people to the diversity of STEM careers, promote Togolese female role models, and challenge gender stereotypes that influence their career choices. The event provided a platform for young people to engage with professionals, training institutions, and the technological ecosystem.
Key points
- The event attracted 200 participants, including 140 girls, who explored various STEM careers and interacted with professionals and institutions.
- The fair featured a panel discussion on artificial intelligence and its impact on STEM careers, highlighting opportunities for women in the field.
- TIS presented its digital solution, TIS Connect, designed to support students in discovering and navigating STEM careers.
