2025 Q2 Board Book (Staff) - Mastercard Foundation Archives

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Title

2025 Q2 Board Book (Staff)

Author

Board Communications; Office of the Chief Program Officer; Office of the President and CEO

Year

2025

Publication/Event Date

June 13 2025

Abstract

The June 16–19, 2025 Board Meeting in Kampala, Uganda, focused on delivering programmatic impact for youth, improving organizational agility, and deepening strategic partnerships. The Foundation’s efforts continue to center on enabling dignified and fulfilling work for young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada. This quarter emphasized performance reviews, inclusive programming, scaling proven models, and gender equity.

Key activities and initiatives during this quarter include:

1) Strategic Planning and Program Development: The Foundation is accelerating progress toward its 2025 goal of 17 million youth-in-work (56% of whom are women). Programs focus on high-potential sectors including agri-food systems, digital, and manufacturing. Forecasts show growth to 27.5 million youth-in-work by 2027, with women representing 59% of participants. Country strategies like Uganda’s focus on entrepreneurship, workforce development, and inclusive financial systems.

2) Program Performance and Impact Measurement: The Foundation has reached 16.5 million youth-in-work and 60.4 million through work-enabling activities. A robust impact measurement approach is in place, including baseline studies (e.g., Uganda) and the development of data governance and analytics capabilities. Notably, Uganda's youth-in-dignified-and-fulfilling-work increased from 56% in 2021 to 68% in 2023, though disparities remain for young women and rural youth.

3) Key Program Initiatives: Flagship initiatives include Young Africa Works, EleV (focused on Indigenous youth), and Saving Lives and Livelihoods. In Uganda, 1.3 million youth have accessed work, with efforts expanding in agrifood value chains, digital MSME development, and inclusive education for refugees and youth with disabilities. Partner organizations like Heifer International, GOAL, and Ripple Effect are scaling impact in rural and underserved communities.

4) Financial Overview: From 2017 to April 2025, $13.2 billion has been committed, with $5.9 billion disbursed. African organizations have received $5.8 billion (44% of commitment). The Foundation’s fund utilization stands at 65%.

5) Partnerships and Collaboration: The Foundation supports 466 partners (71% active, 66% African-led). Long-term collaborations are generating systemic change and policy influence, particularly in education, health, and employment. Youth-led organizations are receiving targeted funding and capacity-building support.

6) Inclusion and Equity: Programs aim to reach vulnerable groups, including women (56% of youth-in-work), persons with disabilities (247,000), and refugees (659,000). The Foundation is refining strategies to close the gender gap in dignified and fulfilling work, including a push toward 70% female participation.

7) Organizational Agility and Culture: Turnaround times and partner experience are improving. A data strategy is in place, supported by enterprise platforms, governance standards, and cross-functional collaboration. Staff engagement and culture initiatives are ongoing.

8) Technology and Innovation: Digital tools are central to programming and operations, including online learning, financial platforms, and data systems. Programs like Cyber School in Uganda are enhancing digital education access and inclusion.

These activities highlight the Foundation’s commitment to long-term impact in Uganda, and provide a model for inclusive, systems-oriented programming in high-need regions.

Notes

Item consists of Board Book reports, presentations, and other inclusions, circulated for staff information. Complete Board Books and Minutes are restricted, and officially retained by Legal and Compliance.

Resource Subject

Event Name

Board of Directors Meeting

Keywords/Access Points

Youth Employment; Entrepreneurship; Agrifood Systems; Inclusion; Impact Measurement; Digital Innovation; Strategic Planning; Impact; Partnership; Collaboration; Equity

Geographic Locations

Language

Demographic Groups

Special Collections

Archival Record ID

MFA.2025.0071