UBA Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Empowerment
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA Ghana Mr. Bernard Gyebi has reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship development, describing investment in young people as critical to Africa’s future growth and stability.
Speaking at the Drive to Inspire-Africa (DTI-A) Impact Event, Mr. Gyebi commended Drive to Inspire-Africa for its remarkable impact across the continent, noting that the organisation’s achievements reflect both scale and intentional execution.
“The report we have reviewed is not just a document, it is a record of hope, scale, and serious execution,” he stated.
Over the past three years, Drive to Inspire-Africa has directly engaged over 40,000 young people across Africa, expanded its mentorship programme from just 10 mentees in 2023 to over 500 participants across 22 countries, and awarded scholarships to 40 beneficiaries. The organisation has also reached 38 educational institutions across six regions, creating tangible impact within both senior high schools and tertiary institutions.
The MD/CEO highlighted that UBA’s vision strongly aligns with the mission of Drive to Inspire-Africa, emphasizing that the continent’s greatest asset lies in its people.
“At UBA, we believe that Africa’s future is bankable because Africa’s youth are bankable. Our commitment across the continent is rooted in the understanding that the greatest resource we have is not beneath the ground, but within our people,” he said, referencing the philosophy of Africapitalism championed by Tony O. Elumelu, CFR.
He further noted that the challenges addressed by Drive to Inspire-Africa, including youth unemployment, skills gaps, limited mentorship opportunities, and gender disparities, are not just social concerns but economic imperatives.
“Every investment in young people reduces future credit risk, increases productivity, and builds the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders. This is not just corporate social responsibility; it is nation-building,” he emphasized.
UBA, he added, remains committed to supporting initiatives that drive sustainable development and economic inclusion across Africa. The Bank will continue its partnership with Drive to Inspire-Africa through youth-focused programmes, financial literacy initiatives, entrepreneurship development, and digital skills training.
Mr. Gyebi commended the founder and Executive Chairperson of Drive to Inspire-Africa, Nana Adjoa Hackman, for her leadership in building a movement that is shaping the future of young Africans.
“Africa’s young people are not waiting for the future, they are creating it. Together, we must continue to inspire, empower, and invest in the next generation of African changemakers,” he said.
UBA’s participation at the event underscores its commitment to driving inclusive growth and supporting initiatives that empower young people to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s transformation.
The event brought together high-level dignitaries and stakeholders, including Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader of Parliament, and former First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, alongside members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, and youth leaders.
