Focus Areas | Mastercard Foundation

Focus Areas

We believe youth employment is key to unlocking prosperity.

A woman at work. A young woman wearing a blue hard hat and overalls.

The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people to access dignified and fulfilling work.

Our focus areas reflect the critical need to accelerate economic growth in Africa through inclusive interventions that drive productivity, innovation, and exports.

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Education and Transitions

Our focus on education supports young people's pathways through education and into dignified and fulfilling work by increasing acceess to quality, relevant education and skills training.

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Pan-African Programs

The Pan-African Programs platform focuses on working with and strengthening African institutions and supporting systems change to drive economic transformation in Africa. Our 2030 goal is to support 10 million young people in securing meaningful economic opportunities, creating positive ripple effects on the well-being of their families, communities, and societies.

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Refugees and Displaced Persons

The Mastercard Foundation's goal is to enable 2.5 million refugees and displaced persons in host communities in Africa to secure dignified and fulfilling livelihoods.

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Disability Inclusion

Disability inclusion is central to the realization of the Mastercard Foundation’s vision and mission. It is reflected in the Foundation’s strategy, Young Africa Works, which will enable 30 million youth, particularly women, to obtain dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.

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Two young professionals sitting at a desk and working on laptops together, African Management Initiative 2017

Digital

The Mastercard Foundation is committed to working through our partners to empower young people with the digital skills they need to thrive in education and the workforce. Our areas of focus include skills development, digital entrepreneurship, e-learning, EdTech, and digital economy research.

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Agriculture

Our work is aimed at supporting resilient, sustainable, and equitable Agrifood systems in Africa that enable dignified and fulfilling work opportunities for young people, particularly young women.

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A student in the Zambia Nurse and Life Skills Training Program.

Health

We are committed to supporting Africa’s long-term health resilience by enabling the development of a skilled workforce.

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Learn More About Us

We believe that young people are driving transformative change and can achieve their full potential.

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