2019 Q1 Board Book (Staff)

The March 28-29th, 2019 Board Meeting, focused on the Foundation's "Young Africa Works" strategy, with significant emphasis on country-specific program development, strategic partnerships, and the expansion of key initiatives across the African continent. The Foundation is also focused on learning and adapting its approach based on early implementation experiences.

Key activities and initiatives include:

1) Country Strategy Development and Implementation: The Foundation is actively developing and implementing country-specific strategies for Nigeria, Uganda, and Ethiopia. This includes conducting design workshops with private sector stakeholders, identifying key sectors for intervention (such as agriculture, creative industries, and the digital economy) and establishing governance structures. The Foundation is also applying lessons learned from its Rwanda program to new country programs, including early partner engagement and strategic communication. In addition, the Foundation is working to launch programs in Ghana, Kenya, and Senegal, with a focus on detailed program design and partner engagement.

2) Program Expansion and Innovation: The Foundation is expanding the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to new and existing partners, aiming to provide additional opportunities for young people to access quality education. The Foundation is also expanding its EleV program to support Indigenous youth in Canada. Additionally, the Foundation is exploring innovative approaches to job creation, including a focus on entrepreneurship and leveraging digital technologies.

3) Learning and Measurement: The Foundation is placing a strong emphasis on learning and measurement, including the co-design of learning systems with partners and the implementation of improved learning systems for ongoing evidence analysis. The Foundation is also focused on understanding the impact of its programs on youth employment and financial inclusion.

4) Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships: The Foundation is actively engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, private sector leaders, and community representatives, to align on program targets and ensure effective implementation. The Foundation is also working to establish strategic partnerships with African organizations.

5) Operational and Organizational Development: The Foundation is focused on streamlining its internal processes and building strong country teams. The Foundation is also working to establish a permanent sandbox for innovation and adjust its program approval process to allow for experimentation.

Overall, the Mastercard Foundation's activities in the first quarter of 2019 demonstrate a strong commitment to its "Young Africa Works" strategy, with a focus on country-specific interventions, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to learning and adaptation. The Foundation is working to empower young people through education, skills development, and financial inclusion to enable them to secure dignified and fulfilling work.