Zenith Bank has announced the launch of its maiden Girl-Child Empowerment Programme, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening education, digital skills and entrepreneurship for girls across Nigeria and the wider African continent. The programme, themed “Banking On Her Tomorrow,” is the brainchild of Dr Adaora Umeoji, the bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, who is also the first female GMD/CEO in the institution’s history. In a press briefing held in Lagos, Dr Umeoji underscored the bank’s commitment to gender‑inclusive growth and highlighted how the programme aligns with national and continental agendas on girl‑child education. Why the Girl-Child Empowerment Programme Matters in 2026 Across Africa, the gender gap in education and economic participation remains a pressing challenge. UNESCO reports that, as of 2025, roughly 32 % of girls in sub‑Saharan Africa still drop out before completing secondary school. The Girl‑Child Empowerment Programme seeks to reverse this trend by providing scholarships, mentorship, and access to digital tools that prepare girls for the modern workforce. By targeting both urban hubs like Lagos, Accra and Nairobi and underserved rural areas, Zenith Bank hopes to create a ripple effect that boosts household incomes and community development. Programme Pillars: Scholarships, Skills Training, and Mentorship The initiative is built on three core pillars. First, a scholarship fund will support 5,000 girls annually, covering tuition, books and transport costs for secondary and tertiary education. Second, a series of digital‑skills workshops—ranging from basic computer literacy to coding bootcamps—will be delivered in partnership with local tech hubs such as Andela, CcHub and the Kenya ICT Authority. Finally, a mentorship network will connect participants with female leaders in banking, entrepreneurship and the creative industries, offering guidance on career pathways and personal development. How the Programme Will Be Rolled Out Implementation will begin in three Nigerian states—Lagos, Kano and Enugu—chosen for their diverse socio‑economic profiles. Within each state, Zenith Bank will collaborate with state ministries of education, NGOs like Girls’ Power Initiative and community leaders to identify eligible beneficiaries. The rollout schedule is as follows: Phase 1 (Q4 2026): Stakeholder engagement and beneficiary selection. Phase 2 (Q1 2027): Disbursement of scholarships and launch of the first digital‑skills cohort. Phase 3 (Q2 2027 onward): Ongoing mentorship, monitoring and impact assessment. Beyond Nigeria, the bank plans to extend the programme to Ghana, Kenya and South Africa by 2028, leveraging its pan‑African footprint and existing corporate social responsibility platforms. Economic and Social Impact Expected Investing in girls yields measurable returns. The World Bank estimates that each additional year of secondary schooling for a girl can increase her future earnings by up to 20 %. Moreover, women who own businesses tend to reinvest 70 % of their profits back into their families and communities. By equipping girls with education and entrepreneurial tools, the Girl‑Child Empowerment Programme is poised to generate a multiplier effect—boosting household consumption, creating jobs and fostering a more inclusive economy. In the short term, the programme will also address the digital divide. Recent data from the African Development Bank shows that only 23 % of girls in sub‑Saharan Africa have regular access to a computer or smartphone. The digital‑skills component of the initiative will provide tablets and internet vouchers, ensuring that participants can fully engage in online learning and e‑commerce opportunities. Community Voices: Anticipation and Hope Local educators and parents have welcomed the bank’s move. Mrs Aisha Bello, a secondary school principal in Kano, remarked, “When a reputable institution like Zenith Bank invests in our girls, it sends a powerful message that their futures matter.” Similarly, a group of teenage beneficiaries from Enugu shared their excitement on social media, noting that the scholarship will enable them to pursue STEM subjects that were previously out of reach. Women’s rights advocates also see the programme as a catalyst for policy change. The African Union’s Gender Equality Strategy 2025‑2030 calls for private‑sector partnerships to accelerate girl‑child empowerment, and Zenith Bank’s initiative aligns closely with that vision. Measuring Success: Monitoring and Evaluation Framework To ensure transparency and accountability, Zenith Bank has partnered with a local research firm to develop a robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework. Key performance indicators (KPIs) will include: Number of scholarships awarded and retention rates. Completion rates of digital‑skills modules. Post‑programme employment or entrepreneurship outcomes. Beneficiary satisfaction surveys. Annual impact reports will be published on the bank’s website, and findings will be shared with stakeholders to inform future scaling. How Businesses and Individuals Can Support Zenith Bank invites corporate partners, NGOs and private donors to co‑fund scholarships, donate equipment or volunteer as mentors. Interested parties can contact the bank’s CSR department via the official website. Additionally, the bank will host a series of “Banking On Her Tomorrow” webinars, open to the public, to discuss best practices in gender‑inclusive finance and education. FAQ What is the eligibility criteria for the scholarship? Girls must be Nigerian citizens (or citizens of the participating African country), aged 12‑18, and demonstrate financial need and academic potential. Applications are vetted by state education ministries and partner NGOs. Will the programme provide any financial products for young entrepreneurs? Yes. Upon completion of the mentorship track, participants will be eligible for a low‑interest micro‑loan designed specifically for youth‑led start‑ups, subject to standard credit assessment. How can I become a mentor? Professionals from banking, tech, creative industries and academia can apply through the programme’s portal. Mentors are expected to commit to at least six months of virtual or in‑person guidance. 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