2018 Q1 Board Book (Staff)

The March 27-28th, 2018 Board Meeting focused on the Foundation's implementation of its "Young Africa Works" strategy, with an emphasis on youth employment, education, and financial inclusion across the African continent. This quarter is marked by detailed planning, diagnostic work in specific countries, and the approval of key projects designed to achieve systemic change.

Key activities and initiatives include:

1) Strategic Development: The Foundation is working on country-specific strategies for Ghana and Senegal, including diagnostic work, consultations with stakeholders, and a focus on aligning with national development priorities. These strategies aim to address the challenges of youth unemployment by focusing on key sectors such as agriculture, technology, and the digital economy. The Foundation's approach includes supporting both formal and informal sectors, with an emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises.

2) Thought Leadership: There is a strong focus on establishing the Foundation as a thought leader on youth employment in Africa. This includes defining the Foundation's position, identifying key audiences, and creating a framework to influence stakeholders. The Foundation seeks to move from an emerging thought leader to one that actively influences stakeholders to take action.

3) Program Implementation: The Foundation is actively implementing projects in Rwanda under the initiatives Hanga Ahazaza (youth employment) and Leaders in Teaching (teacher training). These programs are designed to have a systemic impact. The Foundation is also developing partnerships to support these initiatives and expand access to financial services.

4) Financial Inclusion: The Foundation recognizes that financial inclusion is key to reducing poverty and is working to address the challenges that limit access to finance for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Foundation also supports digital financial services and alternative financing options for young entrepreneurs.

5) Education: The Foundation is working to improve the quality of education through teacher training and strengthening technical and vocational institutions, as well as focusing on science, technology and engineering skills. The Foundation is also expanding its support for secondary and tertiary education.

6) Partnerships: The Foundation is actively cultivating relationships with various organizations, including governments, private sector entities, funders, and youth organizations to support its strategy. It is also developing a collaborative approach to address youth employment.

Overall, the Mastercard Foundation's activities in early 2018 reflect a commitment to its "Young Africa Works" strategy by implementing country-specific plans, expanding partnerships, strengthening education and skills, and promoting financial inclusion in order to create opportunities for young people to lift themselves and their communities out of poverty.