98 Scholars join top global universities though Equity Leaders Program

The program's Executive Chairman, Dr. James Mwangi saw off the scholars who have secured admissions and scholarships across 52 universities spanning 18 different countries.

Hailing from four different nations - Kenya (73 scholars), Rwanda (19 scholars), the Democratic Republic of Congo (5 scholars), and Uganda (1 scholar) - these exceptional individuals have not only exhibited academic prowess but have also undergone rigorous leadership training and development under the ELP.

Valued at a substantial Kshs. 2.44 billion (USD 17,116,817), the secured scholarships will cover the full four-year duration of the scholars' undergraduate studies. To ease their transition into these global academic environments, Equity Group will provide each scholar with an airlift token, amounting to Kshs. 200,000.

The ELP's commitment to holistic growth has been evident in its comprehensive college counseling program, which spanned two months. During this period, scholars were equipped with essential skills in essay composition, university selection, and optimal strategies for admission exams. A supplementary week-long camp focused on guiding these scholars through the anticipated challenges of transitioning to international academia.

Speaking at the celebratory event, Dr. Mwangi commended the scholars for their steadfast pursuit of their dreams and for securing funding that will enable them to access world-class education.

"I urge you to keep Africa's ambitions in their sights and to harness the transformative power of education to drive the continent's progress," he said

The selected scholars are now poised to join prestigious institutions across the globe, including renowned universities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, China, India, and the United Arab Emirates.

Dr. Mwangi also emphasized the alignment of this initiative with the Equity Group's Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP). He stressed the significance of the final pillar, which centers around technology-enabled ecosystems, and the potential for scholars to leverage these ecosystems for innovative problem-solving within Africa.

Data from ELP Global Alumni demonstrated their success in various sectors, with 47% venturing into leading technology companies such as Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft. An additional 21% pursued roles in consulting for prestigious firms like Bain, Boston Consulting Group, and McKinsey, while 15% entered the finance sector with positions in organizations like Wellington, Fidelity, and BNP. Notably, some alumni have championed social entrepreneurship ventures upon returning to the continent, thereby contributing to job creation and fulfilling the ARRP's objectives.

One of the scholars, Jok Magok Kuch from Kakuma Refugee Camp, expressed his enthusiasm, envisioning his journey at the University of Toronto under the Equity Leaders Program as a means to contribute to Africa's transformation through education and leadership.

Zeddy Kipyegon, soon to join New York University, Abu Dhabi, reflected on her transformation thanks to the "Wings To Fly" and ELP programs, which provided her with invaluable opportunities.

With this year's admissions, the college counseling program has successfully guided a total of 856 students towards prestigious universities on fully funded scholarships. This year's intake includes 14 scholars who have earned coveted spots in Ivy League Universities such as the University of Pennsylvania, Yale, Harvard University, and more.

The Equity Leaders Program, an initiative established by the Equity Group Foundation in 1998, aims to cultivate leadership skills in promising youth. Drawing from Equity Group banking subsidiaries, the program aspires to create a community of visionary leaders who will collaborate across borders and sectors to foster sustainable economic growth.