Access Bank, King’s Trust partner to boost youth employment across Africa

Access Bank Plc has entered into a strategic partnership with King’s Trust International to expand employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people across Africa.

The agreement was formalised by the bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Roosevelt Ogbonna, and Chief Executive Officer of King’s Trust International, Will Straw, at a ceremony attended by key stakeholders.

Notable dignitaries at the event included Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Co-Chair of the organisation’s Africa Advisory Board, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The collaboration aims to combine King’s Trust International’s expertise in youth development with Access Bank’s pan-African network to drive inclusive growth and job creation. Both organisations said the initiative would equip young people with practical skills, confidence, and support to pursue careers or build businesses.

Under the partnership, Access Bank will facilitate the rollout of development programmes across several African countries, creating pathways for youth to gain employable skills and establish sustainable ventures.

Speaking at the event, Straw said the alliance reflects a shared commitment to unlocking Africa’s youth potential through practical opportunities. Ogbonna, in his remarks, stressed that empowering young people is critical to the continent’s economic future, noting that the partnership reinforces the bank’s commitment to entrepreneurship and inclusive growth.

The initiative is expected to strengthen cross-sector collaboration in tackling youth unemployment and promoting long-term economic inclusion across Africa.