WiM-Africa NextGen WiM Initiative
Empowering Young Women to Build Careers in Mining
The WiM-Africa NextGen Initiative is a continent-wide program building a structured pipeline of young leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs across Africa’s mineral sector.
It equips youth—especially girls and young women—from primary school through university and into careers and business with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to participate meaningfully in mining and mineral value chains.
Through school programs, leadership academies, internships, mentorship, scholarships, and enterprise support, NextGen connects education to real economic participation.
Implemented across 36+ countries, the initiative advances youth empowerment, gender inclusion, and sustainable development in Africa’s extractive sector.
WiM-Africa NextGen Anthem
Empowering Young Women to Build Careers in Mining
Verse 2
Engineers design the systems Safe machines and better mines Processing plants and laboratories Turn raw rocks to metals refined Innovation leads the way Clean technology we pursue Responsible mining for tomorrow Building something strong and new
Bridge
Study the Earth Protect the land Work together Take a stand Knowledge, courage, discipline
That’s how real leaders begin
Chorus
Rocks and minerals — that’s where it starts Geology opens curious hearts Mining, science, engineering too Building the future for me and you Safety first in everything Protect the land and water clean
NextGen miners rise and shine Africa’s future — yours and mine
Final Chorus
Rocks and minerals — learn the way Science helps us lead the day Gold, copper, lithium too Africa’s future starts with you NextGen miners brave and bright Learning, leading, reaching new height
From the classroom to the mountains Curious minds begin to grow Learning science of the Earth Where the hidden treasures flow Gold and lithium in the ground Copper shining deep below Maps and data guide our journey Geologists help us know
Pre-Chorus
With knowledge we explore With courage we discover The future of our continent Belongs to one another
Chorus
Rocks and minerals — that’s where it starts Geology opens curious hearts Mining, science, engineering too Building the future for me and you Safety first in everything Protect the land and water clean
NextGen miners rise and shine
Africa’s future — yours and mine
Lyrics
Primary & Secondary School Initiatives
WiM-Africa invites primary schools and volunteers to join the Future Minerals Leaders Club, a structured, age-appropriate program that introduces young learners to Africa’s natural resources while building curiosity, environmental awareness, and early leadership skills.
Download the Implementation Manual PDF Age 8-13
Through engaging sessions using storytelling, simple science, games, and group activities, pupils develop foundational understanding and their role in national development. Schools and volunteers interested in implementing the program are encouraged to participate and access the full facilitator guide—click the link to view the manual and get started.
WiM-Africa invites secondary schools, educators, and volunteers to participate in the NextGen Mining & Leadership Academy, a structured program designed to prepare young people—especially girls—for future careers, entrepreneurship, and leadership within the mining sector.
Download the Implementation Manual PDF-Age 13-20
The Club provides practical exposure to minerals value chains, regulatory pathways, ESG principles, and enterprise development through interactive sessions, mentorship, and career-focused learning. Schools and volunteers ready to engage students in meaningful, future-oriented learning are encouraged to join—click the link to access the manual and begin implementation.
Who Can Participate?
If you are a female student or recent graduate interested in a career in mining, Register to be matched with internship and mentorship opportunities.
Register as a Student/Graduate
We invite companies to offer internship placements, mentorship programs, and corporate sponsorship to support the initiative.👉 Register as a Corporate Partner.
Organizations and individuals can sponsor mentorship programs, provide funding for internet stipends, or contribute to
training programs. Register as a Sponsor
Local WiM Organizations, NGOs and advocacy groups can partner with WiM-Africa to promote and implement the initiative in their regions.👉 Register as a Local Partner
NextGen Women in Mining Initiative
Empowering the next generation of women in mining through internships, mentorship, and industry collaboration
The NextGen Women in Mining Initiative is dedicated to empowering the next generation of women leaders in the mining industry in Northern Nigeria. This program aims to identify and support young female talents pursuing mining-related courses, providing them with financial assistance, mentorship, and valuable networking opportunities to thrive in the sector.
Women in Mining Scholarships
Exciting Scholarship Opportunities Await You!
Explore!
Explore Scloarships Accross African Universities
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Discover a plethora of scholarship opportunities tailored for women pursuing careers in the mining industry across various African universities. These scholarships aim to empower and support women in accessing quality education and building successful careers in mining-related fields. From undergraduate to postgraduate programs, explore the diverse range of funding options available to women passionate about making an impact in the mining sector. Take the first step towards your academic and professional goals by exploring these exciting scholarship opportunities today.