The MasterCard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation is an international philanthropic foundation and registered Canadian charity that works to advance education and financial inclusion. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the foundation operates independently under the governance of its own Board of Directors. Its headquarters are in Toronto, Canada, with additional offices in several African cities. The Mastercard Foundation focuses its efforts primarily in Africa and with Indigenous youth in Canada, working with partner organizations to enable young people to access dignified and fulfilling work. In Africa, the foundation focuses on leading sectors for youth employment, including education and the digital economy. Consistent with this focus, it has supported early and other stage investments in African education technology companies, including Lingawa and Harde Business School in Nigeria and Zeraki in Kenya, with activity recorded between 2020 and 2024 and a portfolio concentration in EdTech. Across its programs, the Mastercard Foundation collaborates with a wide range of partners to expand access to quality learning, improve financial inclusion, and create economic opportunities for young people. Its work almost exclusively in Africa reflects a long term commitment to youth employment and skills development across multiple countries on the continent.