The MasterCard Foundation Partners with White House on Next Phase of YALI

President Obama announces four Regional Leadership Centers in Ghana, Kenya, Senegal and South Africa as part of the Young Africa Leaders Initiative

We make no secret that The MasterCard Foundation believes in the incredible potential within young people in Africa to transform their communities and countries.  

Over the past six years, we have committed over $1 billion to programs in 25 African countries. Many of our programs are enabling young people to translate their potential into skills, knowledge and networks to earn a living. Education. Entrepreneurship. Financial Literacy. Financial services. Mentoring. These are the fundamental tools that support the innate leadership qualities of Africa’s youth. 

Today, we’re pleased to announce our $10 million commitment and partnership with the White House and USAID to support just such a program – the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). This morning, President Obama unveiled plans to create a network of YALI Regional Centers across Africa. Just before he went on stage, the President shared with me his hope that these Centers will provide practical training and development opportunities for 10,000 emerging leaders on the continent, as well as a platform for their voices to be heard.

We’re honored to partner with the US government and expect that our experience in Sub-Saharan Africa will inform the work of these Centers. Developing leadership of young people requires the collaboration of public and private sectors as well as civil society. So, we will redouble our efforts to partner with educational institutions, employers and financial service providers to help young people acquire the confidence, relevant skills, and financial access they need. Only then will we disrupt conditions that trap families in poverty and that exclude young people from realizing their potential to contribute to inclusive growth and social progress. ‎ If we do this right, the impact will be exponential. 

For more information about the White House announcement today, click here, and to view a press release from USAID click here.