The Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund has an ambition to move capital differently in Africa, with a particular focus on creating dignified, sustainable jobs for young women.
As of October 2025, the Fund has invested in 16 investment vehicles, with a portfolio footprint of 88 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across 13 countries, creating over 8,300 direct jobs (40% women, 30% young people).
This book is the second in a series of four learning books that document the Fund’s journey. While the first book focused on accelerating capital flows to investment vehicles and portfolio companies, this volume explores how the Fund created value beyond capital through services, relationships, and market infrastructure that supported businesses and investment firms alike.