Mastercard Foundation

If Africa is to unlock its next wave of growth, education systems can no longer rely on incremental change. They must be redesigned intentionally, inclusively, and with the courage to confront structural barriers that have kept too many young people on the margins. As we prepare for a new season of #EdTechMondaysAfrica, we reflect on past conversations that sparked ideas and highlighted innovators shaping education across Africa. Re-watch our December 2025 episode to hear from Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, Ghana’s Minister of Education, on how Ghana is accelerating foundational digital infrastructure, building teacher capacity, strengthening inclusion, and harmonizing data systems to enable evidence-based policymaking. https://ow.ly/SO7P50Y3Rbt

Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn and prosper. On International Day of Education, we reaffirm our commitment to inclusive, accessible, and relevant education that prepares young people to become transformative leaders and transition into dignified work. #EducationDay

Our partnership with FAWE Africa, which began in 2013, aims to support girls across Africa in completing their education and gaining the skills they need to become changemakers in their communities. The partnership has continued to expand since then, increasing access to post-secondary education and work opportunities for an estimated 1.2 million young women. As we work to scale and accelerate our impact, partners like FAWE demonstrate that meeting young people where they are with intentional, gender-responsive strategies can have continent-wide impacts. Learn more here: https://ow.ly/Wjfy50VXSw7 #EducationDay

Left with only three hens gifted by her late mother to run a thriving poultry business across four counties, Bentah Akoth’s story is one of quiet grit and steady growth. At just 34, she’s not only built a successful agribusiness but is also mentoring the next generation of young farmers in her community. Initiatives like Kijiji Changemakers, a partnership with Practical Action, are empowering young women in agriculture, breaking down cultural barriers, and promoting sustainable livelihoods that strengthen communities. Watch Bentah Akoth’s story here: https://ow.ly/vwzx50Y0fB4

Africa’s strength lies in its ability to learn, adapt, and co-create. When governments, innovators, and young people work together, education becomes more inclusive and transformative. Rewatch our #EdTechMondaysAfrica episode to learn how Sierra Leone’s Radical Inclusion Policy is using EdTech to ensure no learner is left behind. https://lnkd.in/giXS9fV7

Young people with disabilities are not on the sidelines of change. They’re leading it. Meet five young leaders who are breaking down barriers to equitable education and employment and creating innovative solutions for the future of work. 

🌟 Join our team! 🌟 The Mastercard Foundation seeks a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper. It is imperative that we have the people and talent to achieve our goals. Follow this link to learn more about the exciting #employmentopportunities at the Mastercard Foundation: https://ow.ly/zKro50Whxsu

Meet Hyliene, one of the Kijiji Changemakers. This group of young women is leading the charge to help young women like themselves overcome socio-cultural and policy barriers to accessing dignified and fulfilling work. Hyliene Atieno turned to agribusiness after facing barriers in the hospitality industry due to her disability. Today, she has a thriving business, raising and selling up to 200 chicks a month from her home in Migori, Kenya. She also mentors young agripreneurs and is a champion of gender equality in her community. Tap here for Hyliene's full story: https://ow.ly/l60u50XWkz7

As we gear up for a new season of #EdTechMondaysAfrica, we’re revisiting conversations shaping education across Africa. Watch our August 2025 episode to explore opportunities within South Africa’s education system and learn how strategic public-private collaborations can address challenges through evidence-based policies and affordable technology solutions. https://ow.ly/QV5P50XVHf3

𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 for the African STARS Fellowship Programme 2026! Are you a young African scientist or professional under 35, with leadership potential and a passion for innovation? Apply now for this fully funded fellowship that will transform your career and Africa’s scientific future. 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬: 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐀𝐓𝐓) – 4 months of intensive technical training in genomics, diagnostics, and vaccine manufacturing 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞 (𝐘𝐏𝐏) – 12 months of leadership, entrepreneurship & industry placements 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲: ✔ Because Africa needs you ✔ Fully funded training (travel, visa, accommodation) ✔ Monthly stipend ✔ Mentorship & career development ✔ Placement in top research institutes, biotech hubs & industry partners ✔ Access to the African STARS Alumni Network This fellowship is brought to you by the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University and the Center for Africa’s Resilience to Epidemics (CARE), Institut Pasteur de Dakar at the Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. 📅 Deadline: 31 January 2026 🌐 Apply now: https://lnkd.in/dwn7yZGQ #AfricanSTARSFellowship #FellowshipOpportunity #YoungAfricaWorks