Kigali, September 9 2020 – The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) has partnered with KCB Bank Rwanda to provide a framework for the implementation of activities to accelerate the economic and digital transformation of Africa, by driving youth participation in the development of innovative digital financial solutions. The partnership will leverage initiatives of common interest, including KCB’s internship program and AIMS’ Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) programs.
“We are excited to partner with KCB Bank Rwanda to accelerate the emergence of Africa through knowledge-led development. We remain convinced that Africa’s youth are indispensable to our mission in the development of home-grown talent through our Work-Integrated Learning programs. Our partnership with KCB will drive our efforts in facilitating school-to-work transition while simultaneously tackling industry challenges” said Lydie Hakizimana, AIMS Interim CEO.
The Managing Director of KCB Bank Rwanda, George Odhiambo, echoed these sentiments: “We are delighted to collaborate with AIMS in providing this professional internship. The program will undoubtedly play a crucial role in these students’ entry into a labour market characterized by strong competition and one that requires quality employees for longevity. We are devoted to working with the youth in developing inclusive financial product innovations and data analysis required in both the transformation and simplification of banking services” he said.
Under the framework of this agreement, AIMS and KCB Bank will pursue collaboration in academic research applied to financial industry needs, with a focus on operational research, big data, data analytics, encryption, as well as monitoring and evaluation. The partnership will equally facilitate access to facilities and data for research, professional development for KCB staff, networking opportunities for AIMS students and alumni and the expansion and development of innovative programs. The AIMS Industry Initiative is leveraging the mathematical sciences through the provision of quality human capital, knowledge transfer and research applied to development. AIMS offers a range of WIL programs that allow AIMS students and alumni to apply their skills in mathematical sciences to address challenges faced by various industries in Africa. KCB’s professional internship program targets students of recognised institutions and runs for an initial period of six to twelve months.
About AIMS
Founded in 2003, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is a pan-African network of centres of excellence for post-graduate training in mathematical sciences, research and public engagement in STEM. With centres in South Africa, Senegal, Ghana, Cameroon and Rwanda, AIMS is leading Africa’s socio-economic transformation through innovative scientific training, cutting-edge research, strategic foresight and policy design. With expertly tailored academic and non-academic programs spanning through Centres of Excellence, Research Centres, the AIMS Industry Initiative, and Gender-responsive Teacher Training, AIMS equally created two critical initiatives: Quantum Leap Africa to look into the coming quantum revolution and the Next Einstein Forum to propel Africa on to the global scientific stage. For more information, visit www.nexteinstein.org.
About KCB Bank Rwanda Plc
KCB Bank Rwanda Plc (a member of KCB Group Plc), is a commercial bank regulated by the National Bank of Rwanda operating with a network of 13 branches, 2 cash centres, 25 ATMs and over 260 banking agents, spread across the width and breadth of the country in order to take our products and services closer to the marketplace. We pride ourselves in being an innovative, warm and customer friendly bank offering a full range of financial solutions. We are Simple, Inspiring and Friendly, and practice these values as we work towards simplifying our clients’ world to enable their progress. For more information, visit https://rw.kcbgroup.com/.
Media Contacts
Dr Layih Butake
Senior Outreach Manager & Ag. Director of Communications, AIMS
Grace Kayitesi
Corporate Communications, KCB Bank Rwanda
English