Banking on the future: How Ecobank is empowering  the  youth

As a financial institution, we aim to make a difference. We focus on helping Ghana’s youth prepare for the future of work. This includes first job experiences, digital skills, and entrepreneurship.

On campus, we support students in gaining essential skills. Ecobank has set up digital learning centers at four schools. We donated 600 computers to the University of Ghana and KNUST.

In these centers, students gain hands-on experience in AI and robotics. Our staff also lead financial literacy training seminars at universities nationwide.

In the workplace, we offer internships and national service opportunities. Since 2022, over 800 interns and more than 200 service personnel have gained practical skills. They have worked in various departments from tech to legal.

In 2024 alone, 326 students interned with us. Our management trainee program has helped 38 young Ghanaians through coaching and training. They experience on-the-job learning across the bank via a rotational program.

Kirk, a management trainee from the 2021 cohort, said: “Ecobank isn’t just a workplace—it’s a launchpad.” He added that he received tools, mentorship, and real-world challenges that transformed his potential into expertise.

Our agency banking model extends services into underserved areas while creating jobs. Today, over 6,000 agents earn a living through this network. We also recruit youth ambassadors to promote our digital banking tools.

Looking ahead, we will not slow down our efforts. We are exploring partnerships with Fintechs for seed funding for youth entrepreneurs. We aim to co-develop job-ready curricula with universities and expand access to digital training in more communities.

Youth unemployment is complex but solvable. With every skill built and job created, we move closer to solutions. At Ecobank, we are not just imagining a better future; we are building it for Ghana’s youth.