Our Work in Uganda
Young Africa Works in Uganda
In 2019, the Foundation launched the Young Africa Works strategy in Uganda to enable 4.3 million young people between the age of 18 -35 (precisely 70 percent women, 7 percent refugees, and 3 percent young people with disabilities) to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030. The Young Africa Works strategy is a holistic initiative co-created with the government, private sector, academic institutions, and young people. It builds on the momentum established by the government, and it will take solutions to scale. Our objective is to facilitate access to affordable financial services, quality education, relevant vocational training, and appropriate business development services, including reasonable technology.
Overview
Uganda was the first African country that the Mastercard Foundation implemented programming in in 2008. Over the years, the key area of focus has been in expanding access to finance, education, and skills training to smallholder farmers, teachers, out of school youth, and youth in agriculture across the country.
Our Approach
By 2030, Young Africa Works will enable 4.3 million young people in Uganda to access dignified work. Our approach for implementing this strategy is private sector-led and puts the private sector at the forefront of the growth and development of our country. The approach is centered around three key strategic pillars:
- 1. Strengthening systems and institutions to enable inclusive, responsive, accessible, and affordable services and products
- 2. Supporting disruptive interventions that address the root causes of young people’s barriers
- 3. Leveraging an integrated portfolio of partners and emerging partnership practices to implement promising models at scale.
Our Focus Areas
Our focus is on areas that offer strong potential for creating work for young people, as well as emerging sectors that have the potential to generate significant impact owing to the number of young people engaged in such areas.
Agriculture
Skills Training | Strengthening Financial Inclusion | Policy Environment
Education and Skilling
Micro, small and medium enterprise (MSMEs) | Construction and housing | Sports
Digital Economy
Creative Industry | Strengthening Financial Inclusion | Policy environment | Mindset transformation | Tourism and Hospitality
Impact Stories
Liquid Gold: Tracy Ahumuza and the ATTA Breastmilk Community
ATTA Breastmilk Community provides training and education to health workers on lactation management, safe handling, transportation, and dispensing of donor milk, and, most importantly, advocating for milk banking and promoting the benefits of extended breastfeeding.
From Uganda to Toronto: Naturinda Emmanuel’s Journey of Perseverance and Hope
This is the impact story of Naturinda Emmanuel (Emma), a three-time Mastercard Foundation Scholar who is working towards innovating complex healthcare ecosystems.
“I was born and raised in Uganda into conditions that seemed to limit my dreams and aspirations—a life characterized by limited opportunities, financial barriers, and sometimes a feeling of near hopelessness. I always wanted to become a medical doctor and a leader, with the goal of returning to my community and applying my skills and expertise to change the system and improve health care for my people.”
Partner Programs
Young Africa Works Uganda Digest
Introducing the Inaugural Issue of the Young Africa Works Uganda Digest
This first issue is an overview of the Mastercard Foundation initiatives in Uganda, focusing on transformative stories of the young people we serve, as well as a spotlight on our Country Director Adrian Bukenya to showcase a deeper understanding and the impact of our work in Uganda.
Reports
News and Announcements
CRVPF, gnuGrid CRB and the Mastercard Foundation Extend Partnership to Expand Employment Opportunities for Young People in Uganda
Heifer International and Mastercard Foundation Partner to Expand Employment Opportunities in Agriculture for Youth in Uganda
Gender Pulse: Advancing Gender Equality and Empowerment of Young Women through Young Africa Work
2020 Social Venture Challenge Winners: A Hand for a Refugee
A Nose for News and an Eye for Solutions
Giving Ownership and Agency Back to Hardworking Mothers
Giving Hope to South Sudanese Children in Refugee Settlement Camps in Northern Uganda
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in the Wake of COVID-19
