FirstBank, EStars Team Up to Power Esports Education and Finance for African Youth

In a bold move to revolutionize youth empowerment and digital education in Africa, FirstBank, West Africa’s leading financial services institution, has announced a strategic partnership with EStars Education Africa Limited (EStars), a global leader in educational esports. This collaboration is set to transform how African students engage with the rapidly growing esports industry—through both education and financial innovation.

Powering the Future of Esports Careers
The partnership positions FirstBank at the forefront of educational transformation by supporting the rollout of EStars’ internationally recognized esports qualifications. These include entry-level certificates and BTEC courses tailored to equip young Africans with digital, entrepreneurial, and technical skills essential for thriving in the esports and broader digital economy.

Blending Finance and Gaming Innovation
Going beyond the classroom, FirstBank and EStars are also exploring the launch of a co-branded gaming credit card. This proposed product aims to offer gamers an innovative mix of financial tools and gaming-related perks—enhancing their overall digital lifestyle and providing access to exclusive benefits.

Investing in Youth, Driving Economic Growth
With over 820 branches and more than 39 million customer accounts, FirstBank is leveraging its expansive reach to democratize access to esports education across Africa. The collaboration reflects FirstBank’s dedication to nurturing emerging industries and reinforcing its role in shaping the continent’s future workforce through innovation and inclusion.

EStars CEO, Mags Byrne, expressed excitement about the collaboration, saying, “We are thrilled to partner with FirstBank, Nigeria’s oldest and most respected bank, to bring our educational esports programmes to a wider audience. Our vision is to make esports education accessible to every corner of Africa, and this partnership is a huge step toward realizing that dream.”

Echoing the sentiment, Joel Popoola, EStars’ Africa Advisor, remarked: “This partnership is about more than just gaming—it’s a transformative leap for youth development in Nigeria. By embedding structured learning into the esports industry, we are preparing students for new-age careers in digital technology, manufacturing, and beyond.”

Chukwuma Ezirim, Group Executive, E-Business and Retail Products Division at FirstBank, reinforced the bank’s commitment: “Esports is a new frontier of creativity and opportunity. Through this partnership, we are investing in the future of our youth and the growth of a sustainable esports ecosystem in Africa. FirstBank is proud to lead this innovative charge.”

Together, FirstBank and EStars are redefining education and empowerment for the next generation—positioning Africa as a future leader in the global digital economy.