Opening discussion Between Awash Bank and American Institute for Certification Technology Inc.

We are pleased to announce the beginning of a promising partnership between Awash Bank, the largest private bank in Ethiopia, and the American Institute for Certification Technology Inc. (AICTI). This collaboration aims to facilitate access to educational loans for students enrolling in AICTI’s Ten Subject Courses Training Program, designed to produce certified infrastructure inspectors.

This training program, lasting 12 to 14 weeks, responds to the increasing global demand for certified infrastructure professionals, particularly in the United States, Germany, and other rapidly developing regions. These certifications provide a direct path to high-demand employment opportunities abroad, especially in infrastructure and STEM-related fields.

As one of Ethiopia’s leading financial institutions, Awash Bank, under the leadership of Senior Chief Executive Tadesse Gemeda, has expressed strong interest in supporting this initiative. Representatives from Awash Bank and AICTI are currently working to finalize the agreement, which will provide financial support to Ethiopian students aiming to gain world-class certification and employment opportunities.

We are deeply grateful for Awash Bank’s initial commitment and shared vision. This understanding marks a significant step forward in empowering African talent to contribute meaningfully to global economies—starting with building strong, skilled foundations in infrastructure.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States is expected to face a shortfall of nearly 1 million STEM professionals in the coming years, with tech job growth outpacing other sectors. Likewise, Germany reports over 530,000 skilled worker vacancies in 2025, emphasizing the critical need for global talent.

We believe this partnership has the potential to reshape lives, uplift communities, and bridge the global skills gap—one student at a time.