In a bold move set to redefine digital learning and youth empowerment across Africa, First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank), the continent's premier financial services provider, has announced a strategic partnership with EStars Education Africa Limited, a global leader in educational esports.
The collaboration is designed to pioneer a new era of esports education, career development, and fintech innovation tailored to the emerging digital economy.
With the global esports market continuing to experience exponential growth, forecast to surpass $1.8 billion in 2025, FirstBank is positioning itself at the forefront of this digital revolution.
The newly unveiled partnership with EStars will facilitate the rollout of certified esports qualifications across Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
These include entry-level certifications and BTEC-accredited courses specifically tailored for the esports industry.
The initiative aims to provide students with critical skills in digital media, gaming technologies, entrepreneurship, and business management.
It’s a curriculum that aligns with the modern demands of the esports economy and broader technology landscape.
“Esports present a new frontier of creativity, innovation and career opportunities,” said Chukwuma Ezirim, Group Executive, E-Business and Retail Products Division at FirstBank.
“We recognise the vast potential of esports in shaping the future of our youth and we are ready to harness it for their benefit.
‘By investing in esports education, we are opening exciting career paths and contributing to the growth of the African esports ecosystem,” he added.
Beyond education, FirstBank and EStars are also working on developing a co-branded gaming credit card, an innovative financial product designed to enhance user experience in the gaming world.
The card will offer exclusive benefits such as reward points, gaming discounts, access to tournaments, and other esports-related perks.
This proposed product not only symbolises the synergy between gaming and fintech, but also underlines FirstBank’s commitment to delivering customer-focused innovations.
The collaboration with EStars is not just a commercial venture, it is a statement of intent by FirstBank to lead in empowering Africa's youth for the digital future.
With over 43 million customer accounts, a network of 820 business locations, and over 280,000 agent points across Nigeria, FirstBank has the infrastructure and reach to make this transformative programme accessible to millions.
“This partnership between EStars and FirstBank marks a significant milestone in advancing esports education in Nigeria.
“It’s about equipping young people with the digital, entrepreneurial, and technical skills needed to thrive in a future workforce driven by innovation,” said Joel Popoola, Africa Advisor for EStars.
Mags Byrne, CEO of EStars, also expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to be partnering with FirstBank, Nigeria’s oldest bank, to introduce our educational products to their customers.
“Our aim is to bring educational esports to all of Africa, and innovative partnerships like this make it possible.”
Founded in 1894, FirstBank has long been a trailblazer in the African banking sector. With operations in multiple countries across Africa, Europe, and Asia, including the UK, China, and seven African countries, FirstBank has consistently demonstrated a commitment to digital transformation and customer-led innovation.
The bank has issued over 13 million cards and boasts more than 25 million active users on digital platforms such as its USSD Quick Banking service (*894#), showcasing its deep commitment to financial inclusion.
Moreover, FirstBank has been recognised for its excellence in service delivery and corporate governance with multiple awards.
These include “Best SME Bank in Africa 2025” and “Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investing in Africa 2025,” among others.
FirstBank also continues to champion diversity and empowerment. It maintains a nearly 41% female employee representation and 37% of women in management roles.
Its initiatives like the FirstBank Women Network and membership in the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles reflect its dedication to inclusivity.
The introduction of esports education through FirstBank’s extensive platform opens up transformative opportunities for African youth.
It combines structured learning with practical applications in gaming, tech entrepreneurship, content creation, and live-streaming, fields that are rapidly becoming mainstream.
With increasing global demand for professionals in these areas, the partnership is well-timed to equip African students with relevant, future-ready skills.
According to EStars, the initiative will also promote cross-border collaboration and inspire young people to explore careers not only in gaming, but also in broader sectors such as software development, media production, and artificial intelligence.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, stands to benefit immensely from the economic ripple effects of this venture.
The esports industry globally has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar sector with strong ties to advertising, media, and hardware development.
By tapping into this ecosystem through structured education and financial services, FirstBank and EStars are laying the groundwork for a resilient and digitally literate workforce.
“Esports is more than a game, it is a gateway to digital careers that can transform lives and economies. We are proud to be at the forefront of this innovative endeavour,” said Ezirim.
While the initial rollout will begin in Nigeria, both organisations have their sights set on expansion.
The model, if successful, could be replicated in other African markets where FirstBank has operations, such as Ghana, The Gambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
By combining banking innovation with educational reform, the FirstBank–EStars partnership offers a template for public-private partnerships aimed at youth development. It’s a collaborative effort that underscores the importance of preparing Africa's next generation for a future driven by digital economies.
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