Mastercard Foundation signs agreement with Nigeria to empower 10m youths by 2030

The Mastercard Foundation says it has signed a host country agreement with Nigeria to create economic opportunities for 10 million youths.

The signing ceremony was held at the ministry of finance, budget and national planning office in Abuja on Tuesday.

The agreement, “Young Africa Works”, intends to empower 70 percent of women out of the 10 million people.

Young Africa Works is the Mastercard Foundation’s strategy to enable 30 million young people across Africa, particularly young women, to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.

Speaking at the event, Chidinma Lawanson, country head for the Mastercard Foundation, said the agreement has further strengthened its commitment to providing millions of young Nigerians with work opportunities that will meet their aspirations and full potential.

The firm said it is working with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan African University; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA); Sahel Consulting Agriculture & Nutrition Ltd; Jobberman; and Babban Gona, to realise its goals.

“We have formed partnerships with several organizations and are working together to leverage each other’s strengths,” Lawson said.

“Through our focus areas of agriculture, creative, and digital economies, we have aligned with the Federal Government’s National Development plan to ensure we reduce unemployment in the country and unlock the skills and creative abilities of our youth, particularly young women.”

Aside from Nigeria, the Young Africa Works initiative is present in Rwanda, Kenya, Senegal, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Uganda.