Joseph Leonel Sandwidi is a technology enthusiast with a strong commitment to entrepreneurship, job creation, and sustainable development in Africa. He leverages his cross-sector experience to design and implement impactful programs that empower young people and early-stage entrepreneurs across the continent.
He currently serves as Deputy Program Manager at Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners (ESP) under the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund, where he supports investment vehicles and portfolio companies across Africa. In this role, he contributes to the delivery of high-impact business development services that strengthen the capacity of fund managers and entrepreneurs to scale inclusive and sustainable ventures.
Joseph is particularly passionate about the role of technology in transforming access to education, expanding entrepreneurial ecosystems, and accelerating locally led innovation. His expertise spans program design and execution, stakeholder engagement, and youth coaching.
He holds an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from Université Nazi BONI (formerly Université Polytechnique de Bobo-Dioulasso) and a Bachelor’s degree in Global Challenges from the African Leadership University, with a focus on job creation and climate change. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Humanitarian Aid and International Cooperation from the Kalu Institute
