By Derrick Silimina

In a groundbreaking move meant to empower schools, teachers, parents and students alike – Ecobank has unlocked a financial service designed to uplift every participant in the education journey.

Ecobank Zambia Managing Director Aina Moore says Edubanking is not just a financial service; it unlocks access to financing that fuels growth and infrastructure development.

“Edubanking is our promise to make education not only accessible but sustainable, innovative and a true driver of national progress. We are providing financing for school expansion projects, renovate facilities and scale their operations,” Moore said during a breakfast meeting held at MIKA Lodge in Lusaka.

She disclosed that since its launch in December, Ecobank has already partnered with six schools on the Edubanking system – a journey that will transform how education is financed, supported and delivered in Zambia.

Moore noted that the financial platform encompasses a seamless school’s fee collection system, secure and fully transparent service where revenue leakages, fraud risks and delayed reconciliations become a thing of the past.

“Through our cashless collection solution, parents can make school fee payments easily, using mobile phones, online banking or via the Ecobank Mobile App, while schools monitor transactions in real time,” Moore stated.

The Ecobank MD further outlined that the financial institution is also offering green financing, including solar systems, solar pumps and electric vehicles, ensuring that schools have the power and tools they need no matter where they are located.

Moore reiterated that no school should pause learning because of load shedding or infrastructure gaps.

“For our teachers, the heartbeat of every learning environment, we are offering real – practical support. This includes access to self-development platforms, study loans, personal loans and timely salary solutions. We want every teacher to feel valued, equipped and encouraged to keep doing what they do best: shaping minds and building futures.”

Speaking at the same event, Private Schools and Colleges Association of Zambia (PRISCA) Chairperson George Ngwenya said the EduBanking solution speaks directly to the operational needs of many schools in the country including Cashless and traceable fee collection, Improved financial transparency and accountability and Reduced reconciliation errors and administrative strain.

Ngwenya noted that private schools today are not just centres of learning; they are enterprises, employers, and community anchors.

“Many of our members continue to face common challenges including efficient and secure school fees collection, Cash‑flow management aligned to academic terms, Access to affordable financing for infrastructure, technology, and growth and Reducing administrative burdens and financial risks.”