Access Bank and King’s Trust International Forge Alliance for Youth Development in Africa
Access Bank Plc has entered into a strategic partnership with King’s Trust International, aiming to enhance opportunities, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods for the youth across the African continent. This alliance marks a pivotal moment in the two organizations’ efforts to empower young people through skills development and employment initiatives.
The formal agreement was executed in London, with Roosevelt Ogbonna, the Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank, and Will Straw, the CEO of King’s Trust International, signing the partnership. The event was attended by notable figures, including Aigboje Aig Imokhude, Co-chair of the King’s Trust International Africa Advisory Board and Chairman of Access Holdings, as well as Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
According to a statement from Access Bank, the collaboration will leverage King’s Trust International’s expertise in youth development alongside Access Bank’s extensive pan-African network. Together, they aim to equip young individuals with essential skills, boost their confidence, and provide robust support for employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
As part of this initiative, Access Bank will play a crucial role in facilitating the implementation of King’s Trust International programs across multiple African nations, helping youth acquire relevant skills and pursue both employment and self-employment pathways.
During the signing ceremony, Will Straw emphasized the partnership’s significance, stating that it signifies a mutual commitment to harnessing the potential of young people throughout Africa. He remarked that combining their experience in youth development with Access Bank’s leadership and scale could lead to the creation of substantial opportunities and long-term benefits.
In his address, Mr. Ogbonna highlighted the critical importance of youth empowerment for Africa’s sustainable growth and development. He asserted that “empowering youth is the cornerstone of sustainable growth in Africa,” noting that the partnership with King’s Trust International bolsters Access Bank’s dedication to entrepreneurship, job creation, and inclusive development.
This collaboration is anticipated to enhance cross-sectoral cooperation in tackling youth unemployment and fostering entrepreneurship, ultimately driving inclusive economic growth across the African continent. King’s Trust International is known for its dedication to assisting young people globally in developing necessary skills and confidence, thus paving the way for educational, employment, and entrepreneurial success.
Access Bank, a key subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc, stands as a robust commercial bank with over 900 branches and service locations across 25 countries on three continents, serving a customer base of more than 60 million. The parent company, Access Holdings Plc, has been a listed entity on the Nigerian Stock Exchange since 1998, functioning as a diversified financial services group that integrates retail banking strengths with digital platforms, corporate banking expertise, and extensive risk and capital management capabilities.
