Sewit Ahderom, an African at the helm of the Mastercard Foundation
Entrepreneur, investor, and pioneer of African tech, Ethiopian-born Sewit Ahderom has been appointed as the new head of the Mastercard Foundation, one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations with $53 billion in assets. This historic decision highlights African leadership at the heart of the Foundation’s global strategy for youth employment on the continent. It marks a new chapter in global philanthropy—one where Africa is no longer seen as a beneficiary, but as a driving force of innovation and change.
“I am deeply honored to serve the mission of the Foundation,” said Sewit Ahderom, newly appointed President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, who will officially assume her role on January 1, 2026. Announced from Toronto, her appointment represents a major milestone for the organization, as it entrusts its leadership for the first time to an African woman.
Sewit is an exceptionally talented global leader with a deep understanding of Africa. She embodies the Foundation’s values
Following a global search, the Board of Directors unanimously recognized her as a visionary leader deeply rooted in Africa’s realities. “Sewit is an exceptionally talented international leader, with a profound understanding of the continent. She reflects the Foundation’s values—listening, partnership, and lasting impact,” said Zein Abdalla, Chair of the Board of Directors.
A career bridging technology, finance, and sustainable development
Holding a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Connecticut and an MBA from Columbia University, Sewit Ahderom has built a career at the crossroads of technology, finance, and sustainable growth. She began her journey in New York with Citigroup’s Investment Banking Division, before joining Helios Investment Partners, one of Africa’s leading investment funds. She also worked with Industrial Promotion Services (IPS), the investment arm of the Aga Khan Development Network, where she deepened her understanding of Africa’s social and economic challenges.
A visionary entrepreneur, she later co-founded Gro Intelligence, a data and analytics platform focused on agriculture, climate, and economic development. This pioneering initiative, acclaimed internationally, illustrates her commitment to using technology to strengthen food security and Africa’s resilience.
Having served for two years on the Mastercard Foundation’s Board of Directors, Sewit is already deeply familiar with the organization’s mission and values. “The Foundation’s commitment to helping young people access dignified and fulfilling work resonates deeply with me. I look forward to listening to and learning from young people, our teams, and our partners, and to strengthening collaborations that drive lasting change,” she said.
Her approach, rooted in listening and co-creation, continues the legacy of Reeta Roy, who steps down after eighteen years of transformative leadership. The two women will work closely together until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.
We must trust African entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators. They are the ones shaping the continent’s future
Under Sewit Ahderom’s leadership, the Mastercard Foundation will continue advancing its flagship programs, including Young Africa Works, which aims to enable 30 million young Africans to access dignified work by 2030, and EleV, which supports 100,000 Indigenous youth in Canada in achieving academic and professional success. To date, more than 66 million people have benefited from the Foundation’s programs, and 18 million young people—more than half of them women—have found employment.
For the new CEO, the key to success lies in trust and local empowerment. “We must trust African entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators. They are the ones shaping the continent’s future,” she emphasized. This vision aligns with the Foundation’s renewed strategy of putting local partnerships at the center of its impact model.
Sewit Ahderom represents the best of Africa: discipline, creativity, and faith in the potential of youth
Sewit Ahderom’s appointment as head of the Mastercard Foundation symbolizes far more than a leadership transition. It embodies a new era in global philanthropy—one where Africa takes its place as a full-fledged architect of progress and innovation. For many observers, her nomination stands as a powerful recognition of African talent and leadership on the global stage.
“Sewit Ahderom represents the best of Africa: discipline, creativity, and faith in the potential of youth,” summed up a Board member. With experience spanning New York, Nairobi, and Addis Ababa, she is poised to write a new chapter in the Mastercard Foundation’s story—with a clear vision: to make African youth the driving force of global progress.
