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Strategic Alliance Targets Skills Development, Jobs and Sustainable Livelihoods Across Africa
Access Bank Plc and King’s Trust International have formalised a strategic partnership. The new deal is designed to expand opportunities, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods for young people across Africa.
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Signed in London by the Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank, Roosevelt Ogbonna, and the CEO of King’s Trust International, Will Straw, the agreement opens a new window of upliftment for many young Africans.
High-Level Stakeholders Witness Partnership Signing
According to a statement issued by Access Bank in Lagos, the signing ceremony was witnessed by key stakeholders. They include Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Co-Chair of the King’s Trust International Africa Advisory Board and Chairman of Access Holdings Plc; Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, Co-Chair of the board; and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State.
Partnership Focus: Skills, Employment and Entrepreneurship
The collaboration will combine King’s Trust International’s expertise in youth development with Access Bank’s extensive pan-African footprint to equip young people with practical skills, confidence, and support for employment and entrepreneurship.
Under the agreement, Access Bank will support the rollout of King’s Trust International programmes across multiple African countries. Young people will be helped to gain relevant skills and access clear pathways to employment and self-employment.
Shared Commitment to Africa’s Youth
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Will Straw said the partnership reflects a shared vision for unlocking the potential of Africa’s young population.
“By combining our experience in youth development with Access Bank’s scale and leadership across the continent, we can create meaningful pathways to opportunity and long-term impact,” he said.
Roosevelt Ogbonna emphasised that youth empowerment remains central to Africa’s long-term development.
“At Access Bank, we believe empowering young people is fundamental to Africa’s sustainable growth. This partnership reinforces our commitment to entrepreneurship, job creation, and inclusive development, while enabling us to play a purposeful role in shaping the continent’s future,” he said.
Driving Inclusive Growth Through Cross-Sector Collaboration
The partnership is expected to strengthen cross-sector collaboration aimed at addressing youth unemployment. It will also promote entrepreneurship, and driving inclusive economic growth across Africa.
King’s Trust International supports young people globally by delivering practical programmes through local partners. They help young Africans to access employment, education, and enterprise opportunities.
Access Bank, a subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc, operates through more than 900 branches and service outlets across three continents and 25 countries, serving over 60 million customers. Access Holdings Plc has been listed on the Nigerian Exchange since 1998. It operates as a diversified financial services group spanning retail banking, digital platforms, and corporate banking. Its operations is underpinned by strong risk and capital management capabilities.
