Absa Bank Uganda, in partnership with Junior Achievement (JA) Uganda, has officially flagged off the student innovators from Aga Khan High School, the reigning national champions of the Company of the Year (COY) competition.
The team will represent Uganda at the Junior Achievement Africa Regional Competition in Abuja, Nigeria, scheduled for December 3–5, 2025.
The continental challenge, themed “ACT! Action for Climate Transformation,” invites young innovators to develop AI-driven and sustainable solutions that address key environmental and societal issues.
Aga Khan High School won the national COY competition held on September 25 with their groundbreaking innovation, “Renewablock,” a solution that transforms plastic waste into durable building materials.
Cresta International Christian School emerged first runner-up with an air-powered wristband designed to monitor air pollutants. The national finals featured eight schools, each presenting unique student-led enterprises.
During the flag-off ceremony, Helen Basuuta Nangonzi, Marketing and Customer Experience Director at Absa Bank Uganda, emphasized the importance of nurturing youth innovation.
“Uganda is a youthful nation with tremendous potential. The Company of the Year competition equips young people with essential financial and entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to actively contribute to economic growth,” she said. “At Absa, we pride ourselves on supporting impactful initiatives that empower the next generation of financially competent and entrepreneurial leaders.”
Rachael Mwagale, Executive Director of Junior Achievement Uganda, highlighted the transformative impact of the partnership.
“With Absa’s continued support, we are able to empower young people to pursue their dreams,” Mwagale stated. “This continental competition provides immense learning exposure, fostering entrepreneurship, leadership, and problem-solving skills within the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We remain committed to equipping these change-makers with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century.”
Student representative John Arinaitwe expressed the team’s excitement and readiness.
"We are incredibly grateful to Absa Bank Uganda and Junior Achievement for this opportunity. Our team is ready to showcase our ‘Renewablock’ solution on the continental stage, and we are determined to make our country proud.”