The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) with Ecobank on July 18. It will be based on a program of applied mathematics to develop new methods by the bank to boost productivity. The partners will leverage their to expertise to conduct programs across research, data analytics, encryption, monitoring and evaluation disciplines.

The agreement was concluded through the AIMS Industry Initiative which links mathematical sciences to industry needs. AIMS II develops and implements Pan-African Skills Demand-Supply Strategy for research from unions with industry, academia, research labs and governments to transform the workforce through meaningful career opportunities. AIMS achieves it through creative opportunities with pan-African partners.

Ecobank is a Pan-African bank that has branches in 36 African countries. The MoU has several strategic goals such as the design of new courses for the Cooperative Education (Co-op) program at AIMS Rwanda, the sharing of internships through a network of private institutions that can provide them to AIMS Co-op students, and AIMS/Ecobank staff development. It also establishes an to promote gender equality and inclusion, diversity and equal career opportunities.

AIMS continues to seek these deals and calls for increased industry partnerships to close the gap in STEM, improve productivity and develop critical job skills.