MasterCard Foundation, one of the world’s largest philanthropies managing over $53 billion in assets, has appointed Sewit Ahderom, a seasoned Ethiopian tech leader, as its next president and CEO, effective January 1, 2026.
Sewit’s elevation to the pinnacle of a pivotal Foundation driving inclusion in almost 40 countries across the continent, signals a decisive shift toward digital innovation and youth-focused solutions for Africa’s fast-growing economy.
The decision, made after a rigorous global search for a leader with deep experience in Africa, follows the upcoming departure of Reeta Roy.
He is credited with guiding the Foundation for 18 years, transforming it into a powerhouse for education, financial inclusion, and youth empowerment across Africa.
Zein Abdalla, chair of the Mastercard Foundation board is confident that Sewit’s great Africa and global experience present the perfect requisite to steer the organisation to new heights.
“Sewit is a highly talented global executive with a deep understanding of the African continent. Her career as an investor and entrepreneur provides invaluable lessons in agility, resilience, and scaling complex systems. Most importantly, she embodies our values,” he said.
Ahderom, having served on the Foundation's board for the past two years, already has a strong grasp of the mission and has expressed her delight in working closely with communities in the markets it serves.
“I am truly honoured to serve the Foundation’s mission. Building on Reeta Roy’s extraordinary work is both humbling and inspiring. The commitment to helping young people access dignified work speaks to me on a deeply personal level, and I am excited to listen and learn from our partners and communities,” she stated.
Among her accomplishments, the technology entrepreneur and investor, co-founded Gro Intelligence, a data and analytics platform focused on agriculture and climate.
She also previously served as Vice President at Helios Investment Partners, an Africa-focused investment firm.
Furthermore, Ahderom has also advised on applying artificial intelligence and digital innovation to address humanitarian and development challenges.
For Africa, Ahderom’s leadership is expected to accelerate digital-led solutions to pressing challenges in jobs, education, and entrepreneurship.
With a tech-driven lens, her appointment reflects the continent’s shift towards innovation-led growth.
As Africa’s digital economy surges towards a projected $712 billion by 2050, Ahderom’s tenure is decisive in ensuring that the Mastercard Foundation remains at the forefront of youth empowerment, digital innovation, and inclusive growth across the continent.
Founded in 2006, the MasterCard Foundation is an independent charity headquartered in Canada. It is best known for its Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to enable 30 million young Africans to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.
The Foundation has already committed more than $10 billion to Africa-focused programs, spanning skills development, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and public health.
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