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Economic Transformation Through Youth Employment

Reeta Roy's Remarks at African Transformation Forum (ATF2018)

“Economic transformation and youth employment are inseparable. It’s impossible to envision a solution to the future of work in Africa without economic transformation.”

– Reeta Roy, President and CEO of Mastercard Foundation

In a distinguished lecture at the African Transformation Forum, Reeta Roy talked about the values that continue to guide the Foundation’s work under Young Africa Works and the role of scale in Africa’s transformation.

Reeta shared stories of young people reached through the Foundation’s work, as well as our partner, Patrick Awuah. Their journeys illustrate the potential for economic transformation by focusing on:

  • support for entrepreneurs and small businesses;
  • sectors that can compete globally and create jobs;
  • education and training that prepares a workforce for employment opportunities; and
  • innovative ways to connect job seekers with employers, and entrepreneurs with capital and tools.

The Foundation’s work is built on partnerships — partnerships based on ethics, fairness, and inclusion — that create spaces for young people to test their ideas and empower them to help others. By living these values and supporting young people with tools, guidance, and mentorship, young people will transform Africa.

“What does it take to go from the anecdotal to the transformational? Scale requires certain tools — leadership, policy, incentives, technology, investments — these ingredients help to grow markets and opportunities.”

– Reeta Roy

Read Reeta’s remarks at the African Transformation Forum.

About African Transformation Forum

Hosted by ACET in collaboration with the Government of Ghana, the second African Transformation Forum (ATF2018), is a unique, policy-focused event that will bring together leading experts and practitioners to share perspectives on how to accelerate job growth, boost investment, and implement transformation policies.

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