Mastercard Foundation Pathways to Scale Programme 2026 | $45 Million Initiative for Young Women in Africa
Five-Year Programme Supporting Women-Owned Enterprises and Creating 108,000 Work Opportunities
The Mastercard Foundation has launched the Pathways to Scale (P2S) programme, a $45 million initiative creating economic opportunities for young women in Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Rwanda. The programme runs from May 2025 to March 2030.
Quick Highlights
Particulars
Details
Programme Name
Pathways to Scale (P2S)
Organizer
Mastercard Foundation
Opportunity Type
Women's Economic Empowerment Programme
Investment
$45 Million
Target Beneficiaries
Young women and women-owned enterprises
Location
Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda
Duration
5 Years (May 2025 – March 2030)
Enterprise Target
13,000 women-led businesses
Employment Goal
108,000 work opportunities
Status
Programme Active
Opportunity Overview
Particulars
Details
Host Organization
Mastercard Foundation
Programme
Pathways to Scale (P2S)
Programme Type
Women's Economic Empowerment Initiative
Funding Category
$45 Million Programme Investment
Eligible Applicants
Women-owned and women-led enterprises; young women seeking employment
Location
Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda
Application Mode
Partnership-based implementation
About the Organizer
The Mastercard Foundation is one of the world's largest foundations, with a mission to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. The Foundation is committed to advancing inclusive economic growth and supporting young people across Africa.
The Pathways to Scale programme is part of the Foundation's broader commitment to creating economic opportunities for young women. The programme is implemented in partnership with World University Service Canada (WUSC) , a development organization that works internationally to improve education, employment, and economic opportunities through programmes focused on youth development, entrepreneurship, inclusion, and community empowerment.
About the Programme
The Pathways to Scale (P2S) programme is a five-year, $45 million initiative designed to expand economic opportunities for young women across Africa. The programme 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.
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. Through investment in entrepreneurship, business ecosystems, and employment pathways, P2S seeks to address barriers that prevent many young women from accessing sustainable economic opportunities.
Programme Benefits
Benefit
Details
Enterprise Support
Targeted support for 13,000 women-owned and women-led enterprises
Employment Creation
Creation or maintenance of approximately 108,000 work opportunities
Business Ecosystem Strengthening
Improved connections between entrepreneurs, support organizations, and financial partners
Access to Resources
Improved access to resources, networks, and business support
Market Participation
Support for women-led businesses to participate more effectively in growing markets
Capacity Building
Strengthening operations and business sustainability
Partnership Networks
Connections with key stakeholders in the business ecosystem
Programme Objectives
Objective
Status/Details
Support Women-Led Enterprises
Help 13,000 women-owned businesses grow and become sustainable
Create Employment
Generate 108,000 work opportunities for young women
Strengthen Business Ecosystems
Improve connections between entrepreneurs, support organizations, and financial partners
Expand Entrepreneurship
Broaden opportunities for women entrepreneurs
Improve Access
Enhance access to resources and professional networks
Sustainable Growth
Support long-term business sustainability
Target Countries
Country
Focus Areas
Ethiopia
Women-owned enterprises, employment pathways, business ecosystem development
Women-owned enterprises, job creation, business ecosystem strengthening
Rwanda
Women entrepreneurs, employment opportunities, business support
Who Benefits
Beneficiary Group
Details
Women-Owned Enterprises
Businesses owned and led by women receive support to expand and become sustainable
Young Women
Approximately 108,000 young women gain work opportunities
Business Ecosystem
Organizations, financial partners, and support networks serving women entrepreneurs
Communities
Local communities benefit from economic growth and job creation
Partnership Implementation
The Mastercard Foundation is implementing Pathways to Scale in partnership with:
Partner
Role
World University Service Canada (WUSC)
Programme implementation partner
Local Organizations
Country-specific implementation partners
Business Support Organizations
Ecosystem strengthening and enterprise support
Financial Partners
Access to finance and resource mobilization
Through this partnership, Pathways to Scale connects expertise, resources, and local knowledge to strengthen programme outcomes.
Why This Programme Matters
Impact Area
Details
Women's Economic Empowerment
Women entrepreneurs represent a powerful force for economic transformation across Africa
Job Creation
Youth unemployment and limited access to economic opportunities remain major challenges
Inclusive Growth
Sustainable economic development requires inclusive participation and investment in diverse entrepreneurs
Addressing Barriers
Young women often face additional barriers including limited access to finance, business networks, and mentorship
Long-term Impact
Investing in stronger business ecosystems creates lasting economic benefits beyond individual participants
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The Pathways to Scale programme represents a significant investment in Africa's young women entrepreneurs and future workforce. With a $45 million commitment over five years, this initiative demonstrates the Mastercard Foundation's dedication to addressing the systemic barriers that prevent women from fully participating in economic activities across the continent.
The programme is particularly significant for women entrepreneurs in Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Rwanda, who will benefit from targeted support to grow their businesses and create employment opportunities. The focus on strengthening business ecosystems ensures that the impact extends beyond individual enterprises to create lasting change in the wider economic environment. By targeting 13,000 women-led enterprises and aiming to create 108,000 work opportunities, P2S has the potential to transform economic participation for young women in these four countries.
The partnership with WUSC brings valuable experience in youth development and community empowerment, ensuring that the programme is implemented effectively. This initiative is likely to have a significant impact on women's economic empowerment across Africa and serves as a model for future investments in inclusive economic growth.
Best Opportunity For
Category
Suitable
Women Entrepreneurs
Ideal for women-owned and women-led businesses seeking growth support
Young Women
Suitable for young women seeking employment and entrepreneurship pathways
Business Support Organizations
Opportunities for organizations strengthening women's business ecosystems
Financial Partners
Partnerships for improving access to finance for women entrepreneurs
A $45 million, five-year initiative supporting women-owned enterprises and creating work opportunities for young women in Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Rwanda.
Who is implementing the programme?
The Mastercard Foundation in partnership with World University Service Canada (WUSC).
Which countries are included?
Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Rwanda.
What is the goal for women-led enterprises?
To support 13,000 women-owned and women-led enterprises.
How many work opportunities will be created?
Approximately 108,000 work opportunities for young women.
Is there an open application process for individuals?
The programme works through partnerships with local organizations and business support ecosystems.
What is the programme timeline?
May 2025 to March 2030.
CareerFlora Recommendation
Recommendation Area
Details
Overall Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Funding Impact
Excellent – substantial $45 million investment
Scale of Opportunity
Significant – 13,000 enterprises and 108,000 work opportunities
Geographic Reach
Strong – four countries with tailored interventions
Sustainability Focus
High – strengthening business ecosystems for long-term impact
Partnership Approach
Collaborative – leveraging expertise from WUSC and local organizations
Stay Informed
Follow the Mastercard Foundation for programme updates and partnership opportunities. Women entrepreneurs and young women in target countries should connect with local business support organizations to learn about available opportunities.
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