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Yango continues to drive youth innovation in Zambia through its STEM Fellowship, with graduates of the programme already making a tangible impact in their communities. Fridah Mwenge, the youngest graduate of the Fellowship’s first cohort, is emerging as one of the programme’s standout success stories, using her experience to develop a mental health support solution aimed at helping young people across the country.
An engineering student originally from Luapula Province, Fridah joined the Yango STEM Fellowship at a young age, initially uncertain about her chances but ultimately becoming one of the youngest participants in her cohort. Through mentorship, industry exposure, and financial support, the programme helped her refine her ideas and build the confidence needed to pursue innovation at scale. Fridah has also won 7 JETS Fair Awards and is an international Women in STEM speaker. At this young age, Fridahh is the founder of Young Changemakers Zambia.
Following her graduation from the Fellowship, Fridah has continued to build on this foundation, developing a mental health-focused application known as MONAMI designed to provide support to young people facing emotional challenges. Inspired by personal loss and the broader realities faced by many youths, the platform aims to encourage open conversations around mental health while offering accessible tools for those in need. She recently pitched this innovation to the President of Zambia and gained recognition as one of the top 5 innovators.
Reflecting on her journey, Fridah highlighted the transformative role of the programme in shaping her path: “Being part of the Yango STEM Fellowship changed my life in ways I didn’t expect. It exposed me to opportunities I had never imagined, connected me to people who believed in my potential, and gave me the confidence to take my ideas seriously. Before the Fellowship, I had the passion, but I didn’t always have the clarity or the platform to fully pursue it. Through the mentorship and support I received, I was able to grow not just as a student, but as an innovator and a problem-solver.
It also helped me realise that my story and my background are not limitations, but strengths. Coming from a rural area, I now feel even more motivated to create solutions that can help people who are often overlooked. The Fellowship pushed me to keep building, to keep learning, and to believe that even at a young age, I can create something that has a real impact on people’s lives.”
Throughout the Fellowship, Fridah engaged with industry leaders, participated in career platforms, and secured professional opportunities that significantly contributed to her growth. These experiences have since translated into national recognition, including an opportunity to present her innovation at a high-level platform attended by senior government officials.
Her journey also reflects the Fellowship’s broader impact in bridging opportunity gaps across Zambia. Coming from a rural district in Luapula, Fridah has become a strong advocate for equal access to STEM opportunities and is actively working to inspire more young people, particularly girls, to pursue careers in science and technology.
Commenting on the success of Fridahh and the fellowship, Kabanda Chewe, Country Head for Yango Zambia, said the Fellowship is designed to create long-term impact by equipping young people with the tools and support needed to succeed beyond the programme: “The success of the Yango STEM Fellows shows the power of investing in young talent. We are proud to see participants like Fridah continuing to build solutions that address real challenges in our communities and inspire others to do the same.”
Beyond her innovation work, Fridah is also leading youth-focused initiatives aimed at empowering young people to create local solutions to community challenges. Her vision is to ensure that opportunities in STEM are accessible to all, regardless of geographic location or background. Yango continues to expand its STEM Fellowship programme as part of its commitment to education, innovation, and community development, supporting a new generation of changemakers who are shaping Zambia’s future.
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