SCHOLARS UNDER THE EQUITY LEADERS PROGRAM JOIN TOP GLOBAL UNIVERSITIES
A total of 121 Equity Leaders Program (ELP) scholars from Kenya (86), Uganda (4), Rwanda (29) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (2) have secured admission to pursue undergraduate studies in prestigious global universities in the 2025/2026 application cycle. The scholars have each been awarded comprehensive scholarships and financial packages by the admitting universities.
The scholars have been admitted to 63 universities located in 16 countries across four (4) continents; North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, affirming Equity Group Foundation’s continued investment in education, leadership development, and the nurturing of globally competitive African talent.
In addition, 44 ELP scholars have been shortlisted, completed interviews, and are awaiting final admission and scholarship award confirmations for the Kenyan Government-sponsored undergraduate scholarship overseas opportunities. These include 23 scholars interviewed for the Türkiye Government Scholarship and 21 scholars interviewed for the Romania Government Scholarship.
Commissioning the scholars at Equity Centre, Upper Hill, Nairobi, Dr. James Mwangi, Executive Chairman of Equity Group Foundation and Equity Group Managing Director & CEO, who was joined by Ondrej Simek, Deputy Head of Delegation, Delegation of the European Union to Kenya, said the Equity Leaders Program remains a strategic platform for building Africa’s next generation of ethical, innovative, and solution-oriented leaders.
“The Equity Leaders Program represents our long-term commitment to Africa’s potential and a belief that the continent’s next chapter of growth will be shaped by well-prepared, values-led talent. As you leave for global universities, remember you are carrying the dreams of your families and the expectations of our nations. Learn boldly, lead with integrity, and return equipped with world-class knowledge, networks, and confidence to build solutions that expand opportunity, competitiveness, and shared prosperity across Africa,” said Dr. Mwangi.
“You have earned your place through an incredibly competitive process. Now step boldly into what comes next; work hard, stay curious, push beyond your comfort zone, and build friendships across cultures as you learn from the world around you as much as from the classroom. The opportunities ahead are extraordinary; use every moment to grow, and when you return home, you will shine as the leaders who drive transformation,” said Ondrej Simek, Deputy Head of Delegation, Delegation of the European Union to Kenya.
Sharing their experiences and reflections on their journeys, the scholars highlighted the impact of the Equity Leaders Program in unlocking opportunities and enabling them to pursue their aspirations at leading global universities.
“I applied to about 14 universities before receiving my admission to Harvard. To be honest, I believed my chances of getting in were very slim, so when the acceptance letter came, I was in complete disbelief. I am deeply grateful to the leadership of Equity Bank Uganda and Equity Group for believing in me and giving me this life-changing opportunity. Their support has made it possible for me to pursue my dream at one of the world’s leading universities,” said Aime Iradukunda, Equity Leaders Program Scholar from Uganda, former student of Royal Giant High School, Mityana, who was the top-performing male student in Mityana District and scored 20 points in the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE). He will pursue Electrical Engineering/Economics at Harvard College, USA.