The Equity Leaders Program (ELP) commissioned its 2025 Global Airlift today at Church House, Equity Bank Uganda’s headquarters on Kampala Road. The ceremony,marked the departure of 128 scholars from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and the DRC to top global universities.

Under the initiative, these scholars have secured placements in 62 universities across 19 countries with scholarships valued at KSh 2.79 billion (USD 21.6 million). Each scholar also received an airlift token of up to KSh 200,000 for their transition to university life.

Launched in 1998, ELP identifies academically gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds across East and Central Africa. The program offers leadership training, mentorship, paid pre-university internships, and college counseling. Over its lifetime, ELP has sent more than 970 scholars to prestigious international institutions, including Ivy League universities

This year’s commissioning underscores ELP’s enduring commitment to developing Africa’s future leaders and strengthening its human capital on a global stage.