The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work.

We want a world where young people are included and are thriving and their leadership and contributions matter. A future where young people are driving transformative change and achieving their full potential.

We bring together the private sector, donors, young people, and civil society – to create effective systems and infrastructures, supportive policies, and an environment where young people can find work and entrepreneurs and small enterprises can succeed and grow.  

A world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper.

Approach

The Foundation is currently working in 33 countries across Africa. With 

Young Africa Works, we will deepen our engagement in some countries in partnership with governments and the private sector to better understand their economic aspirations and identify priority sectors for growth.

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.

Every member of the Mastercard Foundation has been given a gift – an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. We are honored, we feel privileged, and we take our responsibility seriously. Our goal is to help 30 million young people to secure dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.