<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><b>Introduction<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">The Mastercard
Foundation is one of the world’s leading philanthropic organizations driving
social and economic transformation, particularly in Africa. With a strong focus
on education, digital skills, and youth employment, the Foundation has become a
powerful catalyst for the growth of Education Technology (EdTech)—using
innovation to expand access, equity, and opportunity for millions of learners.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><b>&nbsp;</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><b>A Mission
Rooted in Education and Opportunity<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">At the core
of the Mastercard Foundation’s work is a simple but powerful belief: education
is the pathway to dignity and prosperity. The Foundation prioritizes:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Access to quality education<o:p></o:p></li>
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Skills development for employability<o:p></o:p></li>
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Inclusion of marginalized and underserved communities<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">EdTech plays a
critical role in achieving these goals at scale.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><b>&nbsp;</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><b>Accelerating
EdTech Across Africa<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">The Mastercard
Foundation actively supports EdTech initiatives that:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Deliver online and blended learning<o:p></o:p></li>
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Reach learners in remote and underserved areas<o:p></o:p></li>
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Offer mobile-first and low-bandwidth solutions<o:p></o:p></li>
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Align learning with job-market needs<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">By funding and
partnering with innovative institutions, startups, and NGOs, the Foundation
helps transform traditional education models into flexible,
technology-enabled systems.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><b>&nbsp;</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><b>Empowering
Youth With Digital and Workforce Skills<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Through
programs such as <b>Young Africa Works</b>, the Foundation integrates EdTech
into skills development, ensuring young people gain:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Digital literacy<o:p></o:p></li>
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Technical and vocational skills<o:p></o:p></li>
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Entrepreneurship and problem-solving abilities<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">These
initiatives ensure that education goes beyond theory, preparing learners for <b>real
employment and enterprise opportunities</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><b>&nbsp;</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><b>Inclusion at
the Center of Innovation<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">The Mastercard
Foundation places strong emphasis on <b>equity and inclusion</b>, particularly
for:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Women and girls<o:p></o:p></li>
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Rural communities<o:p></o:p></li>
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Refugees and displaced learners<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">By supporting
digital platforms and alternative learning pathways, the Foundation helps break
down barriers that have historically limited access to education.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><b>&nbsp;</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><b>Strengthening
Institutions and Learning Platforms<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Beyond
learners, the Foundation also invests in:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Capacity building for educators<o:p></o:p></li>
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Digital infrastructure for institutions<o:p></o:p></li>
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Scalable learning management systems (LMS)<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">This
strengthens the entire education ecosystem, enabling platforms like IOLX
(Interactive Online Learning Experience) and similar initiatives to grow
sustainably and deliver impact.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><b>&nbsp;</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><b>Long-Term
Impact on Africa’s Development<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">The Mastercard
Foundation’s investment in EdTech contributes to:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Increased access to quality education<o:p></o:p></li>
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Improved employability of young people<o:p></o:p></li>
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Innovation-driven economic growth<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">By aligning
education with technology and opportunity, the Foundation is helping shape a
future where Africa’s youth are skilled, confident, and globally competitive.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><b>&nbsp;</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><b>Conclusion<o:p></o:p></b></p><p>















































































</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">The Mastercard
Foundation’s role in EdTech is transformative. By combining philanthropy,
innovation, and a deep commitment to inclusion, it is redefining how education
is delivered and accessed across Africa. As digital learning continues to
expand, the Foundation remains a cornerstone in building equitable,
future-ready education systems.<o:p></o:p></p>