Ethiopia’s ambition to nurture a generation skilled in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is facing significant challenges due to high customs duties on essential educational materials. Organizations at the forefront of STEM education have raised concerns that these import costs are restricting access to quality programs and hindering the country’s technological advancement.
For over two years, So Ez Technology and Training PLC, a leading provider of STEM education for Ethiopian children, has advocated for duty-free importation of critical STEM equipment. The organization, operating under the brand STEM for Kids, emphasizes that the current customs regime inflates the cost of importing robotics kits, coding tools, and other educational technologies, making these programs less affordable and accessible to a broader population.
STEM for Kids has successfully introduced a curriculum developed in collaboration with educational and technology institutions in the United States. Despite its proven success, the high cost of importing training materials limits the program’s reach, contrasting sharply with neighboring countries such as Kenya. Kenya has created a more supportive policy environment by establishing accreditation systems for STEM subjects, facilitating wider adoption and growth.
Ermias Hailemariam, CEO of STEM for Kids, stressed the urgency of embracing STEM education in Ethiopia, particularly in light of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution. “Traditional jobs are evolving, and many tasks can now be performed with the help of machines,” Ermias explained. “Our focus is on preparing the next generation for the future of work and equipping them with the skills they will need.”
STEM for Kids empowers children aged 4 to 17 to become creators and problem solvers by teaching programming as a form of literacy, fostering engineering skills, and encouraging creativity through robotics. As the first U.S.-based STEM franchise operating in Africa and Ethiopia, the organization has trained nearly 4,000 children over the past two years and eight months, delivering programs through dedicated centers, after-school initiatives, weekend classes, and summer camps.
STEM for Kids plans to expand its national footprint by launching online training programs in partnership with major telecommunications providers Ethio Telecom and Safaricom. The organization aims to train 10,000 children over the next decade and is committed to certifying its trainers to maintain high educational standards.
However, despite these ambitious plans, the burden of high customs duties and income taxes on imported educational materials remains a significant obstacle. Ermias and other advocates argue that exempting electronic devices such as laptops and robotics kits from import taxes is crucial to fostering STEM education and increasing participation among Ethiopian youth.
Reducing or eliminating these taxes would not only alleviate financial pressures on organizations like STEM for Kids but also accelerate Ethiopia’s progress toward developing a technologically skilled workforce. Such a workforce is essential for addressing domestic challenges and contributing to global innovation.
