2018 Q2 Board Book (Staff)

The June 17-20th, 2018 Board Meeting demonstrated a continued focus on developing and implementing its "Young Africa Works" strategy, emphasizing youth employment, education, and financial inclusion across the African continent. This quarter is marked by significant strategic planning, country-specific program development, and a commitment to learning and evaluation.

Key activities and initiatives include:

1) Country Strategy Development: The Foundation undertook significant work on developing country-specific strategies for Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya, including stakeholder consultations, analysis of key challenges, and the identification of opportunities for job creation. These strategies focus on key sectors such as agriculture, technology, and the digital economy, and address the specific needs and challenges of each country. The strategies emphasize the need for alternative financing vehicles for MSMEs, support for the informal sector, and the importance of linking training to labour market needs.

2) Thought Leadership and Influence: The Foundation is developing a platform to influence and mobilize others to address youth unemployment in Africa. This includes a focus on engaging with leaders, listening to the voices of young people, and challenging the status quo. The Foundation is also developing a plan to support the new strategy, and defining the role of thought leadership within its overall impact.

3) Program Implementation and Expansion: The Foundation is expanding and refining its existing programs, with a particular focus on the Scholars Program. The program aims to develop the next generation of leaders in Africa, and the Foundation is investing in a learning partnership to better understand the long-term outcomes and impact of the program. The Foundation is also working to integrate best practices from its secondary education component into new country strategies. Additionally, the Foundation is implementing projects focused on education and entrepreneurship in Rwanda.

4) Measurement and Evaluation: The Foundation is advancing its approach to measurement and evaluation, moving toward measuring indirect impacts and systemic changes. This includes a focus on data collection and analysis, aligning with government performance systems, and leveraging technology. The Foundation has also identified specific outputs and indicators to track its progress toward its goals.

5) Operations: The Foundation is establishing a stronger presence in Africa, including completing branch office registration in Ghana and Senegal, initiating registration processes in other countries, and recruiting Country Representatives and other staff.

Overall, the Mastercard Foundation's activities in the second quarter of 2018 showcase a deep commitment to its "Young Africa Works" strategy, with a focus on country-specific interventions, strategic partnerships, and robust measurement and evaluation systems. The Foundation is working to empower young people, particularly women, through education, skills development, and financial inclusion to enable them to secure dignified and fulfilling work in Africa.