Young Ugandan Innovators to Travel to South Africa for Business Mentorship

As part of its 10th-anniversary celebrations, the Stanbic National Schools Championship will reward this year’s top winners with an exclusive educational tour to South Africa, home to the headquarters of Standard Bank Group.

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity aims to expose young entrepreneurs to advanced business environments, mentorship, and global networking opportunities.

Announcing the grand prize at Serena Hotel in Kampala, Stanbic Bank Uganda CEO, Mumba Kenneth Kalifungwa, highlighted the significance of this initiative in shaping the future of Uganda’s young innovators.

“This championship is more than just a competition; it is a platform that transforms young minds into job creators. To celebrate a decade of impact, we are thrilled to announce that this year’s winners will travel to South Africa, where they will gain invaluable exposure and inspiration from global business leaders.”

The selected winners will have the chance to interact with industry experts, visit innovation hubs, and experience how businesses operate on a global scale. This initiative aligns with Stanbic Bank’s vision of empowering youth through practical skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Cathy Adengo, Stanbic Bank’s Head of Sustainability, emphasised that the South Africa trip will give the winners firsthand experience of real-world business dynamics.

“The winners will not only explore international business models but also bring back insights to apply in their own ventures. This exposure will give them the confidence to scale their businesses and think beyond Uganda’s borders.”

Since its inception, the Stanbic National Schools Championship has supported over 540,000 students, teachers, and community members, generating 600 business ideas annually and creating over 200 successful enterprises in sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, and manufacturing.

“Over the past decade, we have seen incredible growth in this program. The number of participating schools has grown from two to over 150, and we are now taking it to the next level by offering winners international exposure,” Kalifungwa added.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The competition’s alumni include young entrepreneurs who have successfully launched businesses and gained scholarships.

Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports, praised the initiative for aligning with Uganda’s education goals.

“This programme is helping transform education by combining knowledge with real-world application. The trip to South Africa will inspire students to innovate and become leaders in their communities,” she said.

As the competition progresses, excitement is building among the students vying for the top prize. For many, the opportunity to travel and learn from global experts is a dream come true—one that could change their lives forever.