Baobab Summit 2025 | Mastercard Foundation

Baobab Summit 2025

Baobab Rising: Nurturing the Future Through Africa’s Youth

Baobab Summit 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, a group on stage for Day 1 of the Summit

October 17 - 19, 2025

The Baobab Summit celebrates the leadership, resilience and innovation of young people.

Celebrate Youth Leadership and Excellence

The Baobab Summit brings together the Mastercard Foundation Program Scholars, Alumni, partners, and other Foundation stakeholders to celebrate the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program community. This year, our hybrid celebration takes place in Kenya and online, ensuring everyone can join in.

The theme of this year’s Summit—“Baobab Rising: Nurturing the Future through Africa’s Youth”—captures the resilience and promise of young Africans as leaders of change. It also reflects the Foundation’s commitment to enabling young people to thrive, shaping inclusive education and work systems, and advancing social and economic transformation across the continent.

Young woman standing on stage at Baobab Summit 2022 wearing a white top with smart bright green business pants, holding a microphone A woman smiling joyfully wearing a white top with a gold coloured sash

The 2025 Baobab Summit reaffirms the importance of convening to foster deeper connections, accountability, and shared purpose across the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program community.

With over 57,000 scholarships committed and a growing network of Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni, the Baobab Summit reflects the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing transformative leadership and creating inclusive opportunities for young Africans to thrive.

Join the conversation: #BaobabSummit2025 #BaobabRising

Day 3 of the Baobab Summit

Don't miss this reflective conversation with Reeta Roy and Mastercard Foundation Scholars on the remarkable journey of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Two young people having a happy discussion
A group photo of students on-stage at  Day 2 of the Baobab Summit 2025
A group of young people seated having a discussion at the Day 1 of the baobab Summit 2025
A young man speaking on a microphone to a large room full of people at Day 1 of the Baobab Summit 2025
A group of young people bonding and taking a selfie on Day 1 of the Baobab Summit 2025

Baobab Summit 2025: Livestream Agenda

Oct 17 - 9:45 am - 11 am: Welcome from Reeta Roy & Flag Ceremony

Kick off the Baobab Summit with Reeta Roy, president and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation. Join in to cheer on your country!

Oct 18 - 9:45 am - 10:50 am: Conversation with Ann Cotton, Founder of CAMFED

Tune in for a keynote address by Ann Cotton, followed by a panel discussion on youth leadership for Africa's next decade.

Oct 19 - 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm: Fireside Chat with Reeta Roy

Don't miss this reflective conversation with Reeta Roy and Mastercard Foundation Scholars on the remarkable journey of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Please note the timings above are East Africa Time (EAT), and the agenda is subject to change.

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Students celebrating together at Baobab Summit 2019
Three young women waving and smiling at the Baobab 2022 summit
Group of Mastercard Foundation Scholars celebrating at the Baobab summit 2022 in an arena wearing branded Scholars @10 white tshirts
A woman celebrating seated in a hall with a a large group of people, she is seated and wearing a red tunic and white pants
Group of Mastercard Foundation Scholars celebrating at the 2023 Baobab summit
A group pf people, including Reeta Roy, applauding in an auditorium for the Baobab summit 2022

Honouring Scholars' Heritage with the Annual Flag Ceremony

Each year, during the Summit's opening ceremonies, we pause to celebrate the global reach of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program with a flag ceremony. Scholars raise their home countries' flags to celebrate their roots and demonstrate the diversity and pride of this global network. We will be livestreaming this energetic and diverse event. Stay tuned to watch this fantastic showcase of diversity coming soon.

The crowd at the Baobab Summit 2022 celebrating the flag ceremony by waving their countries flag Flag ceremony at Baobab Summit 2022, student waves a large flag to represent their country

Roving Reporters: Scholar to Scholar Conversations

Each year, the Speak Your Mind Challenge winners are chosen as roving reporters for the Baobab Summit. During the Summit, they will connect with other scholars, learn about their experiences at the summit and showcase the leadership and excellence of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars.

Learn more
Past speak your mind challenge winners interviewing scholars during the 2022 Baobab Summit

The Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network

This supportive youth-led network is a community for alumni to connect to opportunities for engagement and employment and supports ongoing career progression.

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Mastercard Foundation Alumni Committee group photo, standing in an outdoor hallway

Strengthening the Community

The Baobab Summit Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

What is the Baobab Summit?

The Baobab Summit is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program’s flagship annual convening. It brings together Mastercard Foundation Scholars, Alumni, partner institutions, and stakeholders to exchange knowledge, strengthen networks, and co-develop solutions that advance inclusive education for young people across Africa.

Why is the 2025 Baobab Summit significant?

The 2025 Baobab Summit marks the first in-person gathering in three years. It provides an important opportunity to reconnect the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program community face-to-face, while extending access to thousands of Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni through in-person and virtual engagement.

Where and when will the 2025 Baobab Summit take place?

The Baobab Summit will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, from Friday, October 17 to Sunday, October 19, 2025. Details on the venue and full program will be included in the official invitation and registration package.

Who is eligible to attend?

Participation is by invitation only. Attendees include Mastercard Foundation Scholars, Alumni, partner representatives, senior leaders and staff from the Foundation, and select stakeholders.

Will virtual participation be available?

Yes. The 2025 Baobab Summit will encourage participation through livestreams, a Pre-Summit Event, and interactive Watch Parties hosted at select Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partner institutions. Information about these opportunities will be shared by the Mastercard Foundation Baobab Summit Team.

Participation & Registration

How are in-person participants selected?

Given venue capacity and resource considerations, in-person participation is limited. Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni will be nominated by partner institutions in coordination with the Foundation. Invitations will also be extended to other stakeholders and partners participating in the event.

How can those not invited in person engage?

Mastercard Foundation Scholars, Alumni, and partners who cannot attend can actively participate virtually. This includes livestream access to select plenary sessions, digital networking, and localized Watch Parties. Information about these opportunities will be shared by the Mastercard Foundation Baobab Summit Team via email.

Is registration required?

Yes. All in-person participants must register via the official event platform (Whova). Registration ensures access to session details, speaker bios, program updates, and event resources.

Logistics (for in-person participants)

I have accessibility requirements. How will the Mastercard Foundation address these?

The Mastercard Foundation is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all participants. If you have specific accessibility requirements, please share them with the event organizers in advance. We will work closely with you to provide reasonable accommodations such as mobility support, sign language interpretation, or assistive technology, so that you can fully participate in the event.

Will the Mastercard Foundation cover travel and accommodation?

Yes. The Foundation will cover travel, accommodation, meals, and other associated costs for invited Mastercard Foundation Scholars, Alumni, and partner representatives. Full logistical details will be outlined in participant invitation packages.

Are visas required?

All visitors to the Republic of Kenya, including infants and children, are required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before beginning their journey - except for African travelers, who are now exempt from visa requirements. Applications must be submitted through the official website: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en

What health and safety measures will be in place?

The health, safety, and well-being of participants are a priority. The Foundation will work closely with local authorities and event venues to ensure appropriate safety protocols. Specific guidance will be communicated closer to the Baobab Summit.

Program & Content

What is the theme of the 2025 Baobab Summit?

The theme is “Baobab Rising: Nurturing the Future through Africa’s Youth.” It reflects the expanding impact of Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni as leaders, innovators, and contributors to Africa’s development.

What types of sessions will the Baobab Summit include?

The program will feature keynote addresses, plenaries, panel discussions, debates, workshops, cultural showcases, and networking opportunities. Dedicated sessions will also be held for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council, Inclusion Working Group (IWG), and Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Partners Convening.

Will there be opportunities for Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni to share their perspectives?

Yes. At the in-person Baobab Summit, we will provide platforms for Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni to contribute their voices. Additionally, the Baobab platform will serve as an interactive hub where participants can continue to share experiences, engage in discussions, and access Baobab Summit content before, during, and after the event.

Post-Summit Engagement

How will content from the Baobab Summit be shared afterward?

Highlights, recap videos, post-event summaries and participant perspectives will be published across the Mastercard Foundation’s digital platforms and shared with partner institutions. 

Will the Baobab Summit remain an annual convening?

Yes. Whether virtually or in-person, the Baobab Summit will continue annually as the principal platform for strengthening the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program community and advancing the Foundation’s mission of expanding access to inclusive, high-quality education.

Mastercard Foundation General Information

How does the Mastercard Foundation respond to the many crises happening in the world today, including wars, displacement, and violence?

We are deeply aware that young people across Africa and beyond are living through times of conflict, displacement, and uncertainty. Our thoughts are with all those experiencing loss and instability. The Mastercard Foundation remains committed to its charitable objectives of advancing education and promoting financial inclusion as a means of relieving poverty. Even in times of crisis, we believe education and opportunity are powerful pathways to resilience, hope, and long-term peace.

Does the Mastercard Foundation take a position on specific political conflicts?

As a charitable organization, we do not take political positions. Our focus is on young people and communities. We work to expand access to education, strengthen institutions, and create inclusive opportunities—particularly for women, displaced communities, and persons with disabilities. These efforts help young people to learn, lead, and build stronger, more just societies.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

A global initiative designed to develop the next generation of transformative leaders by enabling highly talented, service-oriented young people to pursue higher education and cultivate their leadership potential.

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Young woman smiling at the camera