Ecobank Rwanda marks Ecobank Day, donates computers to equip youth with digital skills

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Ecobank Group and the 13 years of social commitment through the Ecobank Foundation and final year of the three-year campaign “Transforming Africa Through Education”, Ecobank Rwanda donated computers to youth centres under the Ministry of Youth and Arts, aiming to empower young Rwandans with digital and emerging technology skills and promote inclusive youth development. The donation was announced on Saturday, October 11, during the Ecobank Day 2025 event held at Club Rafiki in Nyamirambo, marking the conclusion of Ecobank’s three-year campaign themed “Transforming Africa Through Education.” ALSO READ: Ecobank Rwanda launches Ellevate 2.0 to empower women in business This year, Ecobank Day was celebrated under the theme “Enabling Inclusive Learning for All,” highlighting the bank’s dedication to empowering education for everyone. The theme emphasised bridging technology gaps by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and assistive technologies to inclusively enhance educational access for children. The event was attended by Ecobank staff, government officials, Club Rafiki management, and dozens of young people engaged in the centre's programmes. It also featured a financial literacy session where the bank encouraged youth to embrace a saving culture, set clear goals, and use money purposefully to support their long-term ambitions. Speaking at the event, Carine Umutoni, Ecobank Rwanda Managing Director, expressed her gratitude for the youth who participate in the bank’s programmes. She emphasised that the bank’s work is not limited to offering financial services, but also includes empowering communities through different development and empowerment initiatives across its networks. ALSO READ: PRESS RELEASE: Ecobank Rwanda named Rwanda’s Best Bank for Trade Finance in Global Finance Awards “This is the third year that Ecobank Day focuses on initiatives that promote education among youth, with a strong emphasis on technology. Umutoni said that the bank’s partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Arts in donating computers aims to develop and enhance young people's digital skills and their adoption of technology. She called on the youth to take advantage of this opportunity to learn, dedicate themselves to continuous learning, be responsible, and dream big. “Always know that you are the future of our country. Everything is possible and we are here to help and guide you,” Umutoni said. She also commended Club Rafiki for its longstanding work in empowering young people, saying it is a perfect representation of how youth centres benefit the communities. The event blended learning with creativity, featuring performances by Club Rafiki’s youth, including fashion showcases, music, and dance, reflecting the centre’s role in nurturing both talent and life skills. ALSO READ: FEATURED: Empowering Africa’s financial future: Ecobank at the Inclusive Fintech Forum 2025 Stéphanie Alamba, Club Rafiki’s legal representative, praised Ecobank’s donation, noting that the new computers will significantly enhance their training capacity. “Our computer lab receives over 90 students daily, so this donation will equip them with modern computers, allowing the youth to keep up with technology trends and use the latest software,” Alamba said. She added that Club Rafiki recently launched an AI learning programme, alongside its job-readiness initiatives, and that the computers will ensure the sustainability and expansion of these efforts. Olivier Brave Ngabo, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Arts, commended Ecobank for its contribution, emphasising that the partnership aligns with the government’s programmes, notably the 'One Million Coders' initiative, which seeks to equip young Rwandans with digital and coding skills. “When we get someone to sponsor our dreams, it is our responsibility as the youth to be accountable and use the help to develop,” Ngabo urged the youth. The celebration concluded with an entertainment scene with Club Rafiki youth leading the audience, including the bank’s staff, to the dance floor in celebration of the bank’s journey over the past years and its impact on the community.

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Ecobank Rwanda marks Ecobank Day, donates computers to equip youth with digital skills