Our Work in Ethiopia
Young Africa Works in Ethiopia
Young Africa Works in Ethiopia aligns with the nation’s Home-grown Economic Reform Plan and Ten Year Development Plan – a journey towards becoming an industrialized, lower middle-income country. Our efforts complement key government priorities in transformative sectors such as agribusiness, agro-processing, manufacturing, and the digital economy.
Overview
Ethiopia’s economic story is one of remarkable growth and untapped potential. While GDP has soared from $8.24 billion in 2000 to an estimated $205.1 billion in 2024, we recognize the challenges that persist:
- National unemployment stands at 8%, with youth unemployment at 23.2%
- Women’s unemployment (11.7%) is more than double that of men (5%)
- Urban areas face higher unemployment (17.9%) compared to rural regions
- An estimated 2.5 million new jobs are needed annually to welcome new labor market entrants
These challenges are our call to action, driving our commitment to create meaningful change.
Our Goal
By 2030, we aim to empower 10 million young Ethiopians, with a focus on young women, to access work they find dignified and fulfilling.
Our Approach
We are focused on unlocking potential and creating opportunities:
- Enhancing access to finance, education, and skills
- Leveraging digital technology to open new doors
- Supporting policy reform efforts that drive inclusive growth
- Fostering innovation and entrepreneurship
- Building transformative partnerships with impactful organizations
Our Focus Areas
Agribusiness and Agriculture Adjacent Sectors:
- Empowering youth through skills training and productivity enhancement
- Unlocking opportunities by improving access to finance and markets
- Nurturing growth by supporting agri-enterprises and agro-processing
Manufacturing
- Focusing on value addition through agro-processing
- Equipping youth with skills for industrial jobs of the future
- Championing manufacturing MSMEs to drive economic growth
Digital Technology
- Bridging the digital divide through comprehensive skills training
- Fuelling innovation by supporting tech startups and digital enterprises
- Advancing financial inclusion through cutting-edge technology
Partner Programs
News and Announcements
Mastercard Foundation and Kifiya Financial Technology PLC to Enable More Than 477,800 MSMEs to Access Uncollateralized Digital Credit Products
Five Ethiopia Public Universities Successfully Establish State-of-the-Art Multimedia Studios
The Mastercard Foundation and Partners Enable 1.27 million Young Ethiopians to Access Employment Opportunities
Ethiopian Youth Entrepreneurs Association and Mastercard Foundation Partner to Pilot a Youth Entrepreneurship Capacity-Building Project
The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) and the Mastercard Foundation Partner to Support over 600,000 Young People to Engage in Inclusive and Dignified Work Opportunities in Agriculture
Dereja, in Partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Skills, and the Mastercard Foundation to Host National Career Expo for More than 20,000 Recent Graduates
500,000 Young People in Ethiopia to Provide Community Service and Gain Job Preparedness Skills
500,000 Young People in Ethiopia to Provide Community Service and Gain Job Preparedness Skills
Advocating for an Inclusive World
Mastercard Foundation Joins Forces with the UN’s FAO to Tackle Desert Locust Infestation
10 Million Young People to Access Dignified and Fulfilling Work Opportunities in Ethiopia
Young Women Trailblazing in Ethiopia’s Honey Economy
