Absa Bank Uganda and Junior Achievement Uganda launched the 2026 Company of the Year competition Tuesday, while honoring Aga Khan High School students for their recent continental victory in innovation.
The launch event at Aga Khan High School featured the presentation of a $1,000 prize to the school’s student team. The group earned the award at the 2025 Junior Achievement Africa Regional Competition in Abuja, Nigeria, where they were named Africa Champions for their climate-focused innovation, Renewablock.
The 2026 competition cycle will operate under the theme AI – Augmenting Innovation. The program challenges secondary school students to create and manage mini-companies, providing practical experience in financial management, ideation, and project oversight.
Helen Basuuta Nangonzi, head of marketing and customer experience at Absa Bank Uganda, said the bank remains committed to its three-year partnership with JA Uganda.
At Absa, we believe that financial literacy and entrepreneurship are the cornerstones of economic freedom, Nangonzi said. Through this partnership, we are equipping students with the tools to build a resilient and prosperous future for themselves and Uganda.
The 2026 edition aims to reach more than 200,000 youth across 55 schools nationwide. This year’s focus encourages students to use artificial intelligence to solve economic challenges and strengthen business models.
Rachael Mwagale, executive director of Junior Achievement Uganda, said the victory by Aga Khan High School proves that Ugandan students can compete at the highest levels. She encouraged schools across the country to register for the upcoming season.
The national exhibition and finals are scheduled for September 2026.
Absa Bank Uganda, a subsidiary of Absa Group Limited, operates 39 branches and 91 ATMs across the country. The bank is regulated by the Bank of Uganda, and customer deposits are protected by the Deposit Protection Fund up to 10 million shillings.
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