Absa Bank Uganda, in partnership with Junior Achievement (JA) Uganda, has flagged off the student innovators from Aga Khan High School, the reigning national champions of the Company of the Year (COY) competition.
The team is set to represent Uganda at the Junior Achievement Africa Regional Competition in Abuja, Nigeria, taking place from December 3 to 5, 2025.
The continental competition, themed “ACT! Action for Climate Transformation,” challenges young innovators to develop AI-driven and sustainable solutions aimed at tackling environmental and societal challenges.
Aga Khan High School secured the national title during the September 25 finals with their innovative project, “Renewablock,” which converts plastic waste into durable building materials. Cresta International Christian School emerged first runner-up with an air-powered wristband designed to monitor air pollutants. Eight schools participated in the national finals, showcasing a wide range of student-led enterprises.
Speaking at the flag-off event, Helen Basuuta Nangonzi, Marketing and Customer Experience Director at Absa Bank Uganda, highlighted the vital role such initiatives play in developing young talent.
“Uganda is a youthful nation with tremendous potential. The Company of the Year competition equips young people with essential financial and entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to actively contribute to economic growth,” she said. “At Absa, we support impactful initiatives that empower the next generation of financially competent and entrepreneurial leaders.”
Rachael Mwagale, Executive Director of Junior Achievement Uganda, praised the continued partnership with Absa, noting its transformative impact on young innovators.
“With Absa’s continued support, we are able to empower young people to pursue their dreams,” she said. “This competition provides invaluable exposure, nurturing entrepreneurship, leadership, and problem-solving skills within the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”
Student representative John Arinaitwe expressed the team’s enthusiasm ahead of the regional contest.
“We are incredibly grateful to Absa Bank Uganda and Junior Achievement for this opportunity. Our team is ready to showcase our ‘Renewablock’ solution on the continental stage, and we are determined to make our country proud.”
The initiative underscores Absa Bank’s commitment to promoting financial inclusion and strengthening Uganda’s knowledge-driven economy by equipping young people with the skills to make responsible and innovative decisions.
