A total of 121 Equity Leaders Program (ELP) scholars from four African countries have secured admission to some of the world’s leading universities, with each receiving comprehensive scholarships and financial support from their host institutions.
The scholars—86 from Kenya, 29 from Rwanda, four from Uganda and two from the Democratic Republic of Congo—have been admitted to 63 universities in 16 countries across North America, Europe, Asia and Africa in the 2025/2026 application cycle.
The latest admissions underscore the growing reach of the Equity Group Foundation programme, which has positioned education, leadership development and international exposure at the centre of its efforts to nurture a new generation of African professionals and leaders.
The Foundation also announced that 44 other ELP scholars have been shortlisted and interviewed for Kenyan Government-sponsored undergraduate scholarships overseas and are awaiting final admission and scholarship confirmations.
Of these, 23 were interviewed for the Türkiye Government Scholarship, while 21 were interviewed for the Romania Government Scholarship.
Speaking during the commissioning of the scholars at Equity Centre in Upper Hill, Nairobi, Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman and Equity Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr James Mwangi challenged the beneficiaries to use their international education to develop solutions to Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Dr Mwangi said the programme was designed not merely to secure university placements for outstanding students but to prepare them to become ethical, innovative and solution-oriented leaders capable of transforming the continent.
“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,” Dr Mwangi said.
He urged the scholars to view their overseas education as a responsibility to their families and countries, rather than simply a personal achievement.
“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,” he said.
The commissioning ceremony was also attended by Ondrej Simek, Deputy Head of Delegation at the European Union Delegation to Kenya, who urged the scholars to take advantage of the exposure offered by studying in multicultural environments.
“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,” Mr Simek said.
He challenged the scholars to return home and use the knowledge, networks and experience gained abroad to contribute to Africa’s development.
“The opportunities ahead are extraordinary; use every moment to grow, and when you return home, you will shine as the leaders who drive transformation,” he said.
The scholars said the ELP had played a critical role in turning their academic ambitions into realistic opportunities, particularly by exposing them to international university application processes and providing mentorship and financial support.
Among them is Aime Iradukunda, a Ugandan scholar and former student of Royal Giant High School in Mityana, who has secured admission to Harvard College in the United States to study Electrical Engineering and Economics.
Iradukunda said he applied to about 14 universities before receiving his Harvard admission, which he initially considered unlikely.
“I believed my chances of getting in were very slim, so when the acceptance letter came, I was in complete disbelief,” he said.
Iradukunda, who was the top-performing male student in Mityana District after scoring 20 points in the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), credited Equity Bank Uganda and the Equity Group Foundation with helping him pursue his ambitions.
“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,” he said.
The latest cohort adds to the growing pool of ELP beneficiaries gaining access to international institutions and global professional networks.
For Equity Group Foundation, the programme is part of a broader investment in human capital aimed at producing graduates capable of competing internationally while remaining connected to Africa’s development priorities.
The scholars are expected to pursue a wide range of disciplines at their respective universities, further broadening the programme’s contribution to fields including science, technology, engineering, economics and other areas critical to the continent’s future.
The Foundation’s leadership has continued to emphasise that the ultimate measure of the programme will not only be the number of scholarships secured, but the ability of its beneficiaries to translate their education, leadership skills and global networks into tangible solutions for their communities and the wider African continent.
