Mastercard, a global leader in the technology and payment industry has announced its collaboration with Glovo, a pioneer multi-category app that connects consumers with restaurants, pharmacies, groceries and retail stores, to address hunger and foster education in underserved communities.
Together, they are set to provide over 300,000 meals for school children in Kenya and Nigeria for an entire school year, marking a significant step in combating poverty, malnutrition and inadequate learning.
In its commitment to
social responsibility, Mastercard strives to empower individuals and promote
equitable prosperity globally. By teaming up with Glovo, the focus is on
combating hunger and ensuring school children have access to nutritious meals,
fostering an environment where both learning and growth can thrive.
To maximize impact,
Mastercard has strategically partnered with local charities –Food4Education in Kenya and the Lagos Food Bank initiative in
Nigeria. For every transaction on the Glovo app, Mastercard will make donations
to these charities, funding a meal for a child in need. This unique initiative
represents a first-of-its-kind effort in both East and West Africa, reinforcing
Mastercard's commitment to sustainable solutions benefiting people, the planet,
and overall prosperity.
Speaking on this
initiative, Shehryar Ali, Senior Vice President and Country
Manager for East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, said, "Our mission
is to bring the advantages of the digital economy to one billion individuals
and in the process make a significant impact in improving access for those who
lack resources. Our digital value proposition is designed to foster inclusion,
social uplift and preserve our environment. It is our aim to seamlessly foster
positive impact, as exemplified by this joint effort with Glovo to support
school going children with nutritious meals, eradicate hunger and foster an
effective learning experience.”
“At Glovo, we believe that positive change starts locally. Our
collaboration with Mastercard represents a joint effort to address a specific
challenge: the eradication of hunger and the promotion of equitable prosperity
in Kenya and Nigeria. Recognizing that social challenges require collective
action, we understand that partnerships between businesses can lead to a more
significant impact in local communities and inspire others to embark on similar
projects," added Caroline Mutuku, General Manager of Kenya at Glovo.
Through this
initiative, Mastercard and Glovo aim to provide not just meals, but hope and
happiness to children in underserved areas by creating a positive environment
that will have an impact on their education and well-being. The collaboration
underscores the importance of collective action in addressing societal
challenges, and Mastercard invites its cardholders to be active participants in
this meaningful endeavour.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye