Mastercard Foundation Launches $45 Million Pathways to Scale Programme to Create More Opportunities for Young Women Across Africa ·Unknown

The Mastercard Foundation has announced the launch of its ambitious Pathways to Scale (P2S) programme, a five-year, $45 million initiative designed to expand economic opportunities for young women across Africa.

The programme, which runs from May 2025 to March 2030, aims to support women-owned and women-led enterprises while creating and sustaining thousands of work opportunities for young women in Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Rwanda.

Through investment in entrepreneurship, business ecosystems, and employment pathways, Pathways to Scale seeks to address barriers that prevent many young women from accessing sustainable economic opportunities.

Mastercard Foundation Introduces Major Women Empowerment Initiative

Pathways to Scale is part of the Mastercard Foundation’s broader commitment to advancing inclusive economic growth and supporting young people across Africa.

The programme has been developed as a Pan-African initiative focused on helping women entrepreneurs grow successful businesses while strengthening the networks, systems, and partnerships needed to support long-term economic participation.

The five-year programme will provide targeted support to women-owned enterprises and aims to create meaningful opportunities for young women seeking employment and entrepreneurship pathways.

Programme Targets 13,000 Women-Led Enterprises

A major goal of the Pathways to Scale programme is supporting 13,000 enterprises owned and led by women.

By helping these businesses expand and become more sustainable, the programme aims to create or maintain approximately 108,000 work opportunities for young women.

The initiative recognizes that women entrepreneurs play an important role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening communities.

Support provided through the programme will focus on improving the ability of women-led businesses to access resources, strengthen operations, and participate more effectively in growing markets.

Four African Countries Selected for Programme Implementation

The Pathways to Scale programme will operate in four African countries where there is significant potential to expand opportunities for young women:

• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Nigeria
• Rwanda

Through partnerships and locally focused approaches, the programme will work with organizations and stakeholders in these countries to strengthen business ecosystems and improve access to economic opportunities.

Each country will benefit from tailored interventions designed to address local challenges affecting women entrepreneurs and young women entering the workforce.

Focus on Building Stronger Business Ecosystems

Rather than only supporting individual businesses, Pathways to Scale focuses on strengthening the wider systems that allow women-led enterprises to succeed.

The programme aims to improve connections between entrepreneurs, business support organizations, financial partners, and other key stakeholders.

Key areas of focus include:

• Supporting women-owned and women-led businesses.
• Expanding entrepreneurship opportunities.
• Creating pathways into employment.
• Strengthening enterprise development systems.
• Improving access to resources and networks.
• Supporting sustainable business growth.

By investing in stronger business ecosystems, the programme aims to create lasting economic benefits beyond individual participants.

Creating Employment Opportunities for Young Women

Youth unemployment and limited access to economic opportunities remain major challenges across many African countries.

Young women often face additional barriers, including limited access to finance, business networks, mentorship, and professional opportunities.

Pathways to Scale seeks to address these challenges by supporting enterprises capable of creating jobs and by expanding opportunities for young women to participate in economic activities.

The programme’s target of 108,000 work opportunities highlights its focus on employment creation and long-term economic inclusion.

Building on Previous Mastercard Foundation Programmes

The Pathways to Scale programme builds on the achievements and lessons learned from previous Mastercard Foundation initiatives implemented in Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Rwanda.

By expanding earlier investments, the programme aims to increase impact through a larger-scale approach focused on entrepreneurship, employment, and economic empowerment.

The Foundation continues to use partnerships and evidence-based approaches to design programmes that respond to the needs of young people and communities.

Partnership with World University Service Canada

The Mastercard Foundation is implementing Pathways to Scale with support from World University Service Canada (WUSC), a development organization that works internationally to improve education, employment, and economic opportunities.

WUSC contributes experience in delivering programmes focused on youth development, entrepreneurship, inclusion, and community empowerment.

Through this partnership, Pathways to Scale will connect expertise, resources, and local knowledge to strengthen programme outcomes.

Why the Programme Matters for Africa’s Future

Women entrepreneurs represent a powerful force for economic transformation across Africa. However, many women-led businesses continue to face challenges related to financing, market access, skills development, and business support.

Pathways to Scale aims to help overcome these challenges by creating stronger foundations for women-owned enterprises and expanding employment opportunities for young women.

The programme reflects a growing recognition that sustainable economic development requires inclusive participation and investment in diverse entrepreneurs.

Programme Details at a Glance

Important information about the Pathways to Scale programme includes:

• Programme name: Pathways to Scale (P2S)
• Organization: Mastercard Foundation
• Programme period: May 2025 – March 2030
• Investment value: $45 million
• Geographic focus: Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Rwanda
• Main beneficiaries: Young women and women-owned enterprises
• Enterprise support target: 13,000 women-led businesses
• Employment goal: 108,000 work opportunities

Supporting the Next Generation of Women Leaders

The Pathways to Scale programme represents a significant investment in Africa’s young women entrepreneurs and future workforce.

By supporting women-led businesses, strengthening economic systems, and creating employment opportunities, the initiative aims to contribute to more inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent.

As the programme progresses toward 2030, it is expected to provide thousands of young women with improved access to entrepreneurship opportunities, employment pathways, and resources needed to build successful futures.

The Mastercard Foundation’s latest initiative demonstrates the growing importance of investing in women’s economic empowerment as a driver of Africa’s long-term development.

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