Students of Aga Khan High School have been recognised for their continental achievement as Absa Bank Uganda and Junior Achievement Uganda officially launched the 2026 Company of the Year (COY) schools’ competition.
The launch event, held in Kampala on February 25, 2026, also served as a ceremonial handover of a USD 1,000 prize cheque to the student innovators following their victory at the 2025 Junior Achievement Africa Regional Competition in Abuja, Nigeria.
The Aga Khan team emerged Africa champions after first securing the national title in September 2025 with their climate innovation project, ‘Renewablock’. The innovation advanced to the continental finals, where it outperformed student enterprises from across the region.
Speaking at the ceremony, Helen Basuuta Nangonzi, Head of Marketing and Customer Experience at Absa Bank Uganda, commended the students for elevating Uganda’s profile on the continental stage and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to its three-year partnership with Junior Achievement Uganda.
“We are incredibly proud of Aga Khan High School for not only representing Uganda but for winning at a regional level,” Nangonzi said. “As we launch the 2026 Company of the Year competition, we are calling upon even more young innovators to step forward. At Absa, we believe financial literacy and entrepreneurship are the cornerstones of economic freedom.”
The 2026 COY competition will run under the theme AI – Augmenting Innovation, challenging students to establish and manage mini-companies. Participants will gain hands-on experience in business operations, financial management and problem-solving, supported by professional mentorship in ideation and project management.
Organisers say this year’s theme places emphasis on the responsible use of artificial intelligence to drive innovation and address economic challenges.
Rachael Mwagale, Executive Director of Junior Achievement Uganda, described the recognition as evidence of the impact of sustained partnerships in nurturing youth potential.
“Aga Khan High School’s victory in Abuja proved that Ugandan innovators can compete and win at the highest levels,” Mwagale said. “With Absa’s continued support, we are expanding our reach to empower more learners with the entrepreneurial mindset required to thrive in the 21st century.”
The 2026 Company of the Year competition is now open to secondary schools nationwide. Organisers expect to reach more than 200,000 young people and attract participation from at least 55 schools, with the national exhibition and finals scheduled for September 2026.
