On July 18th, 2017, a Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) was signed between AIMS-NEI and Ecobank to establish an overarching framework for collaboration. This framework will be based on a mutually-agreed upon program and activities in the areas of applied mathematics to foster new tools to be used by the bank to increase productivity within the firm. The institutions will leverage on each other’s expertise to facilitate programs of shared interest across diverse disciplines of operational research, data analytics, encryption, monitoring and evaluation.
The agreement was concluded through the AIMS Industry Initiative which links mathematical sciences to the needs of industry. The Initiative develops and implements a research-informed Pan-African Skills Demand-Supply Strategy, based on partnerships and collaborations with industry, academia, research institutions and governments to facilitate transition and integration into the workforce for AIMS graduates through meaningful career opportunities. To achieve this goal, AIMS seeks opportunities to engage all key potential pan-African partners.
Ecobank is a Pan-African bank that has branches in 36 African countries. The MoU encompasses a number of strategic goals such as the design of new courses for the Cooperative Education (Co-op) program at AIMS Rwanda; the sharing of a network of private institutions that can provide internships to AIMS Co-op students; and the participation of AIMS in the professional development of Ecobank staff. It also sets up a collaborative environment for internships that promote gender equality and inclusion, diversity and equal opportunities.
AIMS calls for increased partnerships with industry to contribute to filling the skills gap in STEM, intensify productivity and provide critical skills.