World Refugee Day
Africa is home to nearly one-third of the world’s refugees and displaced people, many of them young women.
At the Foundation, we believe it’s impossible to unlock Africa’s full economic potential without harnessing the talents of diverse young people, including refugees and displaced persons. That’s why our Refugees and Displaced Persons strategy focuses on expanding access to education, entrepreneurship, and dignified work - while working with partners, including refugee-led organizations, to remove barriers and support long-term inclusion.
As part of its Young Africa Works strategy, the Mastercard Foundation seeks to enable 30 million young people, including 2.5 million refugees and displaced persons, to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.
This World Refugee Day, we celebrate the contributions of refugees and displaced youth across the continent. Here, we share their stories of resilience, ambition, and leadership.
Watch the Inspiring Stories of Young Refugees and Displaced Persons
From Camp to Campus - Prisca's Journey to Becoming a Mastercard Foundation Scholar
Watch Three Stories of Refugee and Displaced Persons
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Martha
Read more"I don’t think there’s anything better than being your own boss."
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Vanessa Ishimwe and Deline Ramiro
Read more"I believe that refugee women are leaders. They are not just survivors of the crisis or problems they had either in the host country or the country they fled from, but they have solutions to create thriving communities and be good leaders."
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Apat Bul Kiir Aguer
Read more"Being a refugee is something people should understand. We don’t choose to be one. Circumstances happen, conflicts, natural disasters. And it’s hard. It’s a life that forces you to be strong and resilient."
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Joyce Apayi
Read more"I aspire to be a nutritionist, to lead a fulfilling life, and am determined to pursue this goal."
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Gloria Dawa
Read more"I learned how to grow my business and make it work, and now I can provide for my family and even help others."
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William
Read more"Since I joined (the training), I found other young people like me who have been struggling, and they talk to me and counsel me."
UNHCR and the Mastercard Foundation Enabling Half a Million Refugees and Displaced Persons
The Mastercard Foundation announced a $300 million strategic partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, that will enable more than half a million refugees and displaced youth across Africa to complete their education and 200,000 young people to transition into dignified work by 2030.
More Inspiring Stories of Young People
Watch the Highlights from the 2025 Africa Forum on Displacement
2025 Africa Forum on Displacement in Nairobi
Visit to Kakuma Refugee Settlement
Learn more about Our Work
The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work and meaningful livelihoods.
Learn more