Innospec Partners with Africa Gifted Foundation to Boost STEM Education for Young Women

The specialty chemicals company will support five talented African students pursuing STEM degrees.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Innospec, a global specialty chemicals company, has announced a new partnership with the Africa Gifted Foundation (AGF), a charity dedicated to expanding access to world-class STEM education for Africa's young women. Through this initiative, Innospec will provide financial support, mentorship, and internship opportunities for five exceptional students as they pursue four-year STEM degrees at African universities.

Why it matters

This partnership reflects Innospec's commitment to supporting sustainable development across Africa, a key market for the company. By investing in the education and professional development of talented young African women in STEM fields, Innospec is helping to cultivate the next generation of scientists and engineers who will shape the continent's future.

The details

The partnership is anchored in the work of the African Science Academy (ASA), Africa's first advanced-level STEM school exclusively for gifted young women. ASA selects outstanding students from across the continent for a rigorous one-year program that has consistently led to university placements at world-leading institutions. Since its founding, ASA has educated more than 260 students from 20 African countries.

  • The new partnership between Innospec and the Africa Gifted Foundation was announced on February 11, 2026.

The players

Innospec Inc.

An international specialty chemicals company with approximately 2,450 employees in 22 countries, manufacturing and supplying a wide range of specialty chemicals to markets globally.

Africa Gifted Foundation (AGF)

A charity founded by Tom Ilube BCE, dedicated to transforming STEM access for academically gifted young women from disadvantaged backgrounds across Africa.

African Science Academy (ASA)

Africa's first advanced-level STEM school exclusively for gifted young women, which selects outstanding students from across the continent for a rigorous one-year program.

Vali Jerome

President of Innospec Fuel Specialties.

Yasameen Al-jboury

Executive Director of the African Gifted Foundation.

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What they’re saying

“This partnership reflects Innospec's commitment to supporting sustainable development across Africa, an important priority as we continue to grow and serve an expanding customer base throughout the region. We are honored to support these exceptional young women as they take their place in shaping Africa's future.”

— Vali Jerome, President, Innospec Fuel Specialties

“Partnerships like this one with Innospec are transformative for our students. Beyond the financial support, what makes this collaboration truly special is the mentorship and professional exposure it provides. Our young women are not just studying STEM; they are being welcomed into a global professional community that values their talent and potential. We are grateful to Innospec for investing in the next generation of African scientists and engineers.”

— Yasameen Al-jboury, Executive Director, African Gifted Foundation

The takeaway

This partnership between Innospec and the Africa Gifted Foundation demonstrates the power of corporate-nonprofit collaboration to expand access to STEM education and create pathways for talented young women in Africa to become the next generation of scientific and engineering leaders on the continent.