Pan-African Programs

A woman watering her crops with a watering can at a farm, in Senegal

Working Together With Our Partners to Achieve Our 2030 Goal

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.

This bold ambition will be realized by addressing some of the most immediate and pressing needs of young entrepreneurs, particularly the most vulnerable and marginalized, and by engaging with the systems and systemic conditions that create barriers for young people to access and harness opportunities.

Pan-African Programs Main Pillars of Focus

Agrifood Systems

We believe that the future of Africa’s agrifood systems lies in the hands of its young people, particularly young women. Transforming these systems and making them more inclusive will unlock access to millions of job opportunities and empower a generation of innovators to address urgent climate change and food security challenges. Our systems‑driven approach leverages technology, climate‑resilient solutions, and co-creation with young people to help strengthen financial resilience and open pathways to dignified and fulfilling work.

Rows of crops at a farm on a clear day at Bee Tree Farm 2026, participants of the WISE Program, an initiative of the Mastercard Foundation and IDH.

Entrepreneurship

We seek to unlock opportunities for young entrepreneurs, particularly young women, to enable them to build thriving businesses that increase dignified and fulfilling work opportunities for themselves and others. Our approach focuses on reducing barriers young people face in starting a business, including access to finance, business training and skill development, and networking.

Iriza Ntako Hertigage LTD Company, two woman having a discussion at a vendors stall full of hand made jewelry and baskets

Digital Economy

In this sector, the Pan African program's approach focuses on expanding digital skills, strengthening platform ecosystems, and nurturing digital entrepreneurship so young people – especially young women – can thrive in an increasingly connected world. By partnering with educators, innovators, and platform operators, we seek to expand access to in‑demand digital skilling, open new pathways to work, and support entrepreneurs to build solutions that drive inclusive growth. Together, these efforts aim to equip youth with the tools, opportunities, and support they need to shape Africa’s digital future.

A woman holding a mobile device, Ghana Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, 2017.

Gender

Gender equity is crucial to building thriving, inclusive economies. When gender-responsive policies and interventions are prioritized, young women can improve their livelihoods and more fully contribute to their communities, families, and economies, ultimately leading to a more equitable society. Our programming in Africa is rooted in the Young Women-Centred Design approach, which centres their voices, aspirations, and lived realities.

Two young women tending to squash plants in a greenhouse.

Climate Action

Climate change is transforming every sector of Africa’s economies, underscoring the need to integrate climate action into all programs to strengthen resilience and unlock green opportunities. PANA initiatives support partners and youth to build the skills, opportunities, and resilience needed to shape equitable, sustainable economies.