Introduction

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.

A Mission Rooted in Education and Opportunity

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:

• Access to quality education
• Skills development for employability
• Inclusion of marginalized and underserved communities

EdTech plays a critical role in achieving these goals at scale.

Accelerating EdTech Across Africa

The Mastercard Foundation actively supports EdTech initiatives that:

• Deliver online and blended learning
• Reach learners in remote and underserved areas
• Offer mobile-first and low-bandwidth solutions
• Align learning with job-market needs

By funding and partnering with innovative institutions, startups, and NGOs, the Foundation helps transform traditional education models into flexible, technology-enabled systems.

Empowering Youth With Digital and Workforce Skills

Through programs such as Young Africa Works, the Foundation integrates EdTech into skills development, ensuring young people gain:

• Digital literacy
• Technical and vocational skills
• Entrepreneurship and problem-solving abilities

These initiatives ensure that education goes beyond theory, preparing learners for real employment and enterprise opportunities.

Inclusion at the Center of Innovation

The Mastercard Foundation places strong emphasis on equity and inclusion, particularly for:

• Women and girls
• Rural communities
• Refugees and displaced learners

By supporting digital platforms and alternative learning pathways, the Foundation helps break down barriers that have historically limited access to education.

Strengthening Institutions and Learning Platforms

Beyond learners, the Foundation also invests in:

• Capacity building for educators
• Digital infrastructure for institutions
• Scalable learning management systems (LMS)

This strengthens the entire education ecosystem, enabling platforms like IOLX (Interactive Online Learning Experience) and similar initiatives to grow sustainably and deliver impact.

Long-Term Impact on Africa’s Development

The Mastercard Foundation’s investment in EdTech contributes to:

• Increased access to quality education
• Improved employability of young people
• Innovation-driven economic growth

By aligning education with technology and opportunity, the Foundation is helping shape a future where Africa’s youth are skilled, confident, and globally competitive.

Conclusion

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.