In an era where Africa faces complex challenges that demand bold, visionary leadership, the Equity Leaders Program (ELP) stands out as a beacon of hope. Launched in Uganda in January 2022, the ELP is a mentorship and leadership development initiative by Equity Bank, tailored to empower academically gifted young scholars to become the problem-solvers, innovators, and change-makers Africa needs.
The Equity Leaders Program (ELP) is not just another academic scholarship—it’s a transformative journey designed to mold future African leaders. The program targets top-performing students who have recently completed their Senior 6 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE).
These scholars are carefully selected by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), which ranks the best-performing boy and girl from each district where Equity Bank has a branch. Each year, 100 of these bright minds are admitted into the program.
A Launchpad for Global Opportunities
One of the most distinctive features of the ELP is its College Counselling Program, a three-month initiative that prepares scholars to apply to top global universities like Harvard, Stanford, and Yale. Through this, they gain insights into the international admission process, access to full financial aid opportunities, and guidance on adapting to different education systems. This positions them not only to succeed academically but also to thrive as global citizens with a strong African identity.
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The ELP Experience: Bootcamp, Induction, and Beyond
The 2025 cohort of scholars will arrive on Sunday, May 4th, with the week-long Bootcamp and Induction running until May 10th at African Bible University in Lubowa. This phase is more than an orientation—it’s an intense, empowering experience. Scholars are taken through training in:
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The induction sets the tone for what lies ahead: an impactful journey of growth, responsibility, and contribution.
Internship and Mentorship: Learning by Doing
Following induction, scholars are placed in various departments within Equity Bank for a 3 to 6-month paid internship. Here, they gain valuable work experience, receive a monthly salary, and are mentored by experienced professionals. This real-world exposure allows them to apply their academic knowledge, develop a strong work ethic, and build a network of like-minded peers and mentors.
A Broader Vision: Equity’s Role in Shaping Africa’s Future
At the heart of ELP is Equity Bank’s commitment to nurturing leadership for sustainable development. The program began in Kenya in 1998, and has since expanded to Uganda, Rwanda, D.R. Congo, and other countries in the region. Over the years, it has supported thousands of scholars, many of whom have secured fully funded scholarships to prestigious global institutions and returned to drive change in their communities.
Equity doesn’t just invest in scholars—it invests in Africa’s future. By fostering leadership, regional integration, and social responsibility, the ELP seeks to create a network of young Africans who are not only academically exceptional but also passionately committed to transforming their societies.
The Equity Leaders Program emphasizes social impact as a core value. Scholars are encouraged to use their skills and knowledge to tackle real-world challenges in their communities—from education and healthcare to entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability. They are not only being equipped for individual success but are also being molded into leaders who will uplift others and shape the continent’s destiny.
The Equity Leaders Program is more than a scholarship or internship—it’s a movement. A movement to redefine what leadership in Africa looks like. A movement to inspire, equip, and mobilize the brightest minds for a greater cause. As the 2025 cohort begins their journey, they carry with them not just the hopes of their families or communities—but the aspirations of an entire continent.
