Under the umbrella of their Young Africa Works Strategy, Mastercard Foundation’s commitment to supporting young people in Africa perfectly aligns with UNLEASH’s vision for a better, more sustainable future. With the first UNLEASH Innovation Lab on the African continent, Rwanda is the perfect backdrop as a hub for nurturing young Talents and ideas, fostering growth, and driving positive change across the region.

“We believe that investing in the potential of young people is essential for Africa’s future. By supporting UNLEASH Rwanda, we are taking a significant step in harnessing the innovation and energy of Africa’s youth to drive positive change across the continent and beyond,” says David Rurangirwa Country Director Rwanda at the Mastercard Foundation.

Globally, 25% of young people are not working or in education. This year, with the support of the Mastercard Foundation and its implementation partner ESPartners, 100+ young changemakers at the Innovation Lab will have a chance to address challenges around the digital skills gap, youth-led entrepreneurship, young women’s involvement, and decent work, as part of the ICT and Youth in Work Track.

UNLEASH’s Chairperson, Prof. Flemming Besenbacher, shares his excitement for this collaboration: “Mastercard Foundation’s long-standing dedication to supporting African youth through skills development and entrepreneurship is commendable. Together, we can inspire and enable the next generation of leaders to address the pressing challenges of our time.”

The partnership between Mastercard Foundation, ESPartners and UNLEASH Rwanda underscores a shared commitment to harnessing the potential of the African youth. By equipping young African changemakers with the skills, mindset and networks they need, we hope to pave the way for groundbreaking solutions and transformative impact in the African continent and beyond.