ISLAMABAD - AUGUST 15, 2023: This Independence Day, JazzCash, Pakistan’s leading fintech player, partnered with Million Smiles Foundation for the country’s biggest Youth Leadership Bootcamp - Trek Venture 4.0. The four-day boot camp hosted 120 delegates from over 60 prestigious universities across 35 cities nationwide. With representation from diverse cultures and minority groups in Pakistan, the boot camps aim to empower young students with digital skills and financial literacy.

The partnership aimed to hone leadership skills for young students through wilderness challenges, experiential learning, interactive sessions with industry leaders, and trainings on digital and financial literacy. The trainings were designed to engage the youth in meaningful sessions around digital and financial literacy, and included sessions on JazzCash to introduce young students to the full range of possibilities offered by the platform, including kickstarting and growing small businesses.

At the ceremony, Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz, said, “By upskilling ambitious and purpose-driven youth from the country’s various regions and diverse cultural backgrounds, we are cultivating future leaders who will sow the seeds for a better tomorrow. With a strong conviction in technology being a major equalizer, we are certain that the far-reaching impacts of this skill-enhancement endeavor will help us drive real change, lending valuable support to our purpose of improving the lives and livelihoods of Pakistanis.”

“By equipping young students with the tools to lead and innovate, we are building a brighter future for Pakistan as a whole,” said Murtaza Ali, Head of JazzCash. “These leadership trainings are not just an investment in their future, but a commitment to shaping a generation of trailblazers. We are honoured to be playing a part in creating an inclusive financial ecosystem for all.”

Zeshan Afzal, Co-founder of Million Smiles, added, “Youth is the driving force of a nation and is the seedtime of life. Pakistan has a 64% youth population. This holds massive potential as they will become the driving force for Pakistan’s progress, and together with JazzCash, we are investing in youth development to make transformational leaders of tomorrow.”

JazzCash believes in nurturing young talent and allowing them to thrive in the corporate world. As a part of this partnership, gifted young scholars will be given the chance to be a part of JazzCash’s Associate Program. The program welcomes fresh university graduates, offering them a unique avenue to acquire hands-on experience across diverse disciplines within JazzCash, unlocking unparalleled personal and professional development opportunities.

As a GSMA’s Connected Women Initiative member, JazzCash has committed to increasing women’s participation in the fintech landscape. The company’s numerous programs aim to enhance digital literacy among young girls, create avenues for their financial freedom, and maximize female-led enterprises in the startup ecosystem. In line with this commitment, the partnership with Million Smiles will facilitate digital and financial literacy for future leaders, with a particular emphasis on empowering underrepresented groups.