African fintech is taking the continent by storm, as its growth continues to be vital to improving financial inclusion. Despite the number of unbanked remaining high in the region, Africa’s growing population is expected to increase financial inclusion due to the increasing access to smartphones, especially by the youth. Kenya is among the leading markets for fintech, and the sector is about to acquire more support as Exness extends its popular Fintech Scholarships program to the economy.
The multi-asset broker has agreed with the United States International University (USIU) to support outstanding university students in a STEM field. The program is open to third and fourth-year USIU undergraduates in Data Science, Analytics, and Software Engineering or students who have accepted an offer for the MSc in Information Technology course starting September 2023.
According to Martin Thorvaldsen, Exness Head of Community, the organisation is excited to launch the program in its third country after Cyprus, where last year two students accepted scholarships to study at the University of Cambridge and South Africa, where three students won the chance to pursue post-graduate studies at the University of Cape Town.
“At Exness, we recognise the importance of higher education for our youth’s future and are honoured to be part of the journey of excellent students in building the STEM careers and future they dream of. We strongly believe that technology and innovation are key sectors for every economy. As a fintech company, we are dedicated to supporting the minds that can contribute to their growth and development,” he said.
With unemployment, especially among the youth, increasing at a high rate, this opportunity is set to assist some unemployed youth with access to skills that put them ahead in the job market. The scholarship will cover the full amount for tuition fees and living expenses.
“We strongly believe that learning and education need to align with local and global challenges and opportunities to truly transform society. The scholarship degree programs of Data Science and Analytics, Software Engineering and Information Security are game changers for the landscape of the 21st century,” says Professor Margee Ensign.