The Foundation’s programs are serving more than 6 million people in 49 developing countries. Our funding and partnerships are concentrated in 25 countries in Africa and provide a combination of skills-building, education, employment, and access to financial services. Based in Toronto, Canada, its independence was established by MasterCard when the Foundation was created in 2006.
Our work is guided by its mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion for people living in poverty. One of the largest foundations in the world, it works almost exclusively in Africa. Our Young Africa Works strategy sets out an ambitious goal for the next decade: by 2030, our work will enable 30 million young people in Africa, especially young women, to secure employment they see as dignified and fulfilling. Using youth employment as a key measure of socio-economic progress, we aim to help millions of people to find a pathway out of poverty.
As part of the strategy, we will deepen our engagement in some countries to better understand their economic aspirations and identify priority sectors for growth. Working with governments and the private sector, we will develop a long-term plan for each country of focus that will:
- Improve the quality of education and vocational training so that they equip young people with the skills employers need;
- Leverage technology to connect employers and job seekers, and drive growth; and
- Enable entrepreneurs and small businesses to expand through access to financial services.
With commitments of over US$2.2 billion, we have partnered with more than 150 visionary organizations to increase financial inclusion and access to youth learning in Africa. Together, we have improved the lives of more than 33.8 million people and their families.
