Overview:
Absa Bank Uganda sends the national champion team to the Junior Achievement Africa Regional Competition (Dec. 3-5) to present their climate-themed business venture in Abuja.
KAMPALA, Uganda — Absa Bank Uganda is funding the trip for the national champion student team from Aga Khan High School to compete in the Junior Achievement Africa Regional Competition in Abuja, Nigeria, this week.
The bank, in partnership with Junior Achievement Uganda, flagged off the students Tuesday. The continental event, themed “ACT! Action for Climate Transformation,” runs from Dec. 3-5 and challenges young people to develop artificial intelligence-driven, sustainable solutions to environmental and societal issues.
Aga Khan High School, the reigning Company of the Year competition champion, won the national title on Sept. 25. Their innovative venture, Renewablock, is a solution that converts plastic waste into durable building materials. Cresta International Christian School took first runner-up honors with an air-powered wristband that monitors air pollutants.
Helen Basuuta Nangonzi, Marketing and Customer Experience Director at Absa Bank Uganda, highlighted the value of supporting youth entrepreneurship.
“The Company of the Year competition equips young people with essential financial and entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to actively contribute to economic growth,” Nangonzi said. “At Absa, we pride ourselves on supporting impactful initiatives that align with our commitment to empowering the next generation of financially competent and entrepreneurial leaders.”
Rachael Mwagale, executive director of Junior Achievement Uganda, said Absa’s financial support makes the opportunity possible.
“With Absa’s continued support, we are able to empower young people to pursue their dreams,” Mwagale said. “This continental competition provides immense learning exposure, fostering entrepreneurship, leadership, and problem-solving skills.”
John Arinaitwe, a student representative from Aga Khan High School, expressed the team’s gratitude and determination.
“We are incredibly grateful to Absa Bank Uganda and Junior Achievement for this opportunity,” Arinaitwe said. “Our team is ready to showcase our ‘Renewablock’ solution on the continental stage, and we are determined to make our country proud.”
The partnership reinforces Absa’s commitment to promoting financial inclusion and building a resilient, knowledge-driven Ugandan economy by empowering young people to make responsible and innovative choices.