10 (2) (2021) 79-89 Unnes Science Education Journal Accredited Sinta 3 https://journal.unnes.ac.id/sju/index.php/usej STEM Education: A Ray of Hope for African Countries Andrew Mutsvangwa 1 , Nicholas Zezekwa 2 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15294/usej.v10i2.45746 1 Faculty of Education, North-West University, South Africa 2 Faculty of Science Education, Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe Abstract Globally, the provision of robust education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is viewed as a vital ingredient in the economic success of any nation. Studies suggest a strong correlation between advances in the STEM fields and superiority of the leading economies of the world. Unfortunately, Africa seriously lags behind in the provision and delivery of quality STEM education. The purpose of this study is to review and consider the role that STEM education plays in the attainment of sustainable livelihoods for the African continent. The study also outlines and explores current challenges facing the delivery of STEM education in the schooling systems in Africa, with a sharp focus on sub-Saharan Africa. This study primarily utilized the conceptual analysis method and review of literature from research articles and scientific reports related to STEM education. The study revealed that the main issues that hinder the growth of STEM educa- tion in Africa include, the shortage of qualified STEM teachers, overcrowded class- rooms, lack of resources, outdated curricula and inadequate teachers’ content and pedagogical content knowledge. In particular, of all the African students enrolled in higher education institutions, less than 25% of them are pursuing STEM qualifica- tions, and of those students, only 30% are female. Several recommendations are suggested to the relevant stakeholders to address the challenges established in order to empower sub-Saharan Africa through solid STEM education. Article Info Submitted 15 March 2021 Revised 27 May 2021 Accepted 9 July 2021 Keywords STEM education, Af- rica, sub-Saharan Af- rica, education, economies  Correspondence Author: E-mail: andrew.mutsvangwa@nwu.ac.za p-ISSN 2252-6617 e-ISSN 2502-6232