2024 Q3 Board Book (Staff)

The September 18-20th, 2024 Board Meeting focused on the Foundation's strategic focus on scaling proven programs, advancing gender equality, and deepening its commitment to African leadership and Indigenous youth. The Foundation is actively seeking to refine its approach to achieve its ambitious goals for youth employment and empowerment, while also strengthening internal operations.

Key activities and initiatives include:

1) Program Scaling and Development: The Foundation is prioritizing the scaling of impactful programs, including the Scholars Program and initiatives in agri-business, with a particular emphasis on supporting young women. A new Wayfinders Program will provide flexible grants and leadership development for Indigenous youth. There's a clear drive to leverage existing models and partnerships to accelerate impact across various sectors, including health, education, and climate action. A new $500 million envelope is being proposed for climate positive growth initiatives.

2) Gender Equality and Inclusion: A revised gender strategy prioritizes a human-centred design approach, starting with the needs and contexts of young women. The goal is to increase the participation of women to a minimum of 70% across the Foundation's portfolio of programs. Flagship programs focused on women in education, entrepreneurship and climate change will be launched to close the gap for young women-in-work.

3) Higher Education and Research: The Sustaining Excellence in African Higher Education initiative is being developed, with a $500 million envelope and a $1 billion sustainability fund, aiming to strengthen 250 higher education institutions over the next 10 years. A longitudinal study of the Scholars Program alumni demonstrates the transformative impact of education, with tertiary alumni reporting higher rates of employment and fulfillment.

4) Financial Overview and Investments: The Foundation has committed $9.3 billion, with $4.8 billion disbursed. A new $65 million program for youth empowerment in South Sudan is being proposed.

5) Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement: The Foundation is actively collaborating with a wide range of partners, including governments, educational institutions, and community organizations, in an effort to maximize impact and influence policy. Stakeholder surveys highlight the Foundation's influence on partner practices, particularly in the areas of secondary education and employability. The Foundation is encouraged to take a more active role in thought leadership, and policy engagement to amplify its impact.

6) Organizational Development: There is an ongoing effort to enhance internal capabilities, particularly in technology and data management, as well as to improve internal culture through a Culture Roadmap and agility initiatives.

These activities show the Foundation's dedication to achieving its strategic objectives by scaling proven programs, promoting gender equality, strengthening higher education, engaging with stakeholders, and improving its own operational capabilities. The emphasis is on creating sustainable opportunities for young people and contributing to broader economic and social development in Africa and beyond.