Empowering African fund managers to unlock opportunities for youth and women
Our mission is to catalyze transformative change in Africa’s investment ecosystem by empowering African-led investment vehicles to provide inclusive, context-sensitive capital to portfolio companies.
We aim to address systemic inequities and foster economic participation by focusing on gender-equitable practices, creating dignified and fulfilling work for women and youth, and driving long-term, inclusive growth across the continent.
Our vision is a vibrant and equitable Africa where women and youth are at the forefront of economic and social transformation.
By reshaping how capital flows and power is distributed, we aspire to build an investment ecosystem that values diversity, champions resilience, and ensures opportunity for all by unlocking the full potential of African innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Fund is an initiative of the Mastercard Foundation, implemented by a consortium led by Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) as the Fund Manager and lead implementer, ESP as the BDS / value creation partner, Criterion Institute as the GDEI partner, ACG as communication partner and Genesis Analytics as the learning partner
The Mastercard Foundation collaborates with visionary organizations to empower young people in Africa and Indigenous communities in Canada, facilitating access to dignified and fulfilling work. As one of the largest private foundations globally, the Mastercard Foundation is dedicated to advancing learning and promoting financial inclusion, striving to create an inclusive and equitable world through various initiatives, including the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund.
The Fund Manager & Lead Implementer
A catalyst for sustainable growth, MEDA takes the lead in managing the Fund, leveraging its extensive expertise in constructing and fortifying sustainable systems that generate decent work for systematically marginalized communities, with a special focus on women and youth.
MEDA’s commitment aligns seamlessly with The Fund’s mission to foster economic growth and inclusivity across Africa.
Business Development Services Provider
ESP delivers value creation and business development services to the IVs in the Fund’s portfolio and their portfolio companies to ensure they have the knowledge, skills, and talent they need to succeed.
Learning Partner
Genesis Analytics applies its expertise in analysis, technology, and process to collect data at all levels and stages of the investment process and to support evidence-based decision-making in the evaluation and implementation of the Fund’s vision.
Gender Equity Diversity and Inclusion Partner
Building on its history as a globally respected think tank, the Criterion Institute provides assessment and support to ensure that The Fund’s gender equity, diversity, and inclusion goals are met. The Criterion Institute plays a pivotal role in supporting the Fund by providing expertise, tools, and strategic frameworks that reimagine how finance can drive social and economic change.
Communications Partner
As the first African-owned, pan-African agency providing communications solutions structured specifically for the complex and diverse African landscape, ACG develops and implements the overall communications and stakeholder engagement strategy for The Fund.
