By Felix Oketcho
Stanbic Bank Uganda has unveiled an ambitious shs 1 trillion investment plan aimed at transforming the youth with digital skills .
The announcement was made during the launch of the Stanbic Ongea Digital Creators Summit 2025, an event organized in partnership with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Ongea Africa, and the Uganda Digital Society (UDS).
Stanbic Bank’s Head of Marketing and Brand Management, Lois Aber Kwikiriza, said the investment reflects a deliberate shift to support the new digital career paths young Ugandans are embracing. With many turning to content creation for income, she noted that the bank is stepping in to provide structure, opportunities, and skills.
The investment will be executed under the bank’s Women, Youth, and Farmers (WYF) Agenda, which prioritizes access to finance, skills development, and economic empowerment.
Kwikiriza also launched the Stanbic Digital Content Creator Annual Prize— a scholarship-based award featuring five categories, including the Creator of the Year – Premium Professional Course, the Financial Literacy Creator Award, and the Social Impact Creator Award.
“Skills outlive trophies. These scholarships will give creators world-class capabilities to grow, monetize, and professionalize their work. This speaks to our commitment to youth empowerment and digital transformation,” Kwikiriza said.
She explained that the scholarships will be issued through Red & Yellow and delivered via the Uganda Digital Society platform, enabling creators to build both technical and business capacity needed to operate sustainable enterprises.
Beyond financing, Kwikiriza highlighted Stanbic’s youth-centered banking solutions, such as digital account opening with no monthly fees, and expanded financial literacy programs for young entrepreneurs.
The three-year initiative positions the bank as one of the largest private-sector supporters of youth-driven digital innovation.
UCC’s Head of Competition and Consumer Affairs, Kenneth Tweheyo, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening Uganda’s digital ecosystem.
“We support platforms like the Ongea Summit because they encourage responsible content creation, digital safety, and innovation. Together, we can grow a safe, inclusive, and empowered digital ecosystem,” Tweheyo said.
Uganda Digital Society (UDS) President, John Ssenkeezi, emphasized the need to match Uganda’s youthful talent with practical skills.
“We believe Uganda is rich with talent, especially within our young population. What matters most is equipping them with the right skills and knowledge to thrive,” Ssenkeezi said.
He added, “As we build partnerships, it’s not about chasing trending hashtags; it’s about delivering real value in a voice that remains authentic. This forum is the perfect space to advance the conversations we’ve been driving.”
Ongea Africa’s Summit Director, Joseph Kanyamunyu, noted that the annual summit is designed to close gaps that often limit young creators’ potential.
“The Stanbic Ongea Digital Creators Summit is designed to empower creators with skills, business tools, policy awareness, responsible content practices, and commercial opportunities,” he said.
He revealed that the 2025 Summit, scheduled for December 11, will feature the Ongea Skills Lab, where creators will undergo practical digital and business training. The summit will also host strategic roundtable engagements linking creators with regulators, financial institutions, and industry leaders.
Kanyamunyu added that the partnership showcases the transformative potential of private-sector investment working hand-in-hand with regulatory support to create jobs and accelerate Uganda’s digital transformation.
Stanbic Bank Uganda is a leading commercial bank in Uganda and a subsidiary of the Standard Bank Group, providing a full range of financial services including personal, business, and corporate banking.
It is licensed and regulated by the Bank of Uganda and operates under the purpose, “Uganda is our home, we drive her growth,” focusing on community investment and national development.