Baobab Summit 2023

In 2022, the Scholars Program turned 10. Together we reflected on what we have learned and looked to the next 10 years developing Africa’s youth leaders.

To kickoff Scholars@10: A Decade of Transformative Impact and Learnings our first virtual event, invited Scholars, alumni, and partners to share their reflections, achievements, and lessons.

This virtual event celebrated one of the key pillars of the Scholars Program; the Collective Impact of Our Community. We will look back on the impact the program has catalyzed within communities and discuss our renewed focus for the next 10 years.

Elma Akob, Mastercard Foundation Scholar alum and Baobab Summit co-emcee writes about the power of using one’s voice to question, empower and inspire.

Mastercard Foundation Scholar Joy Birungi writes about how changing her attitude and thought patterns helped create a new, beautiful, and purposeful world.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created new realities that have pushed me to reimagine my roles as a student, mother, professional, and cofounder.

The Social Venture Challenge provides a pathway to action for socially responsible young leaders who want to create change in their communities.

Benjamin Obeng, Mastercard Foundation Scholar Alumnus at Arizona State University delivered a keynote speech on resilience.

Mahmoud Kanso, Nour Al-Bidewe, Zainab Al Mohammad, and Eslam Abo Alhawa are Syrian students living in Lebanon who have started a social venture called EduPass, a free-of-charge service to help other Syrian children in Lebanon who have dropped out of school due to an inability to pay school fees.