The Mastercard
Foundation has announced the appointment of Tsega Gebreyes and Sewit Ahderom to
its Board of Directors. In a statement issued on Friday, it noted that their extensive expertise and experience will enhance
the Foundation’s efforts to advance education and financial inclusion.
According to the statement, the foundation aims to enable 30 million young people in Africa, particularly young women, to secure dignified and fulfilling work by 20230.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tsega
Gebreyes and Sewit Ahderom to our Board of Directors. Their insights and
expertise, particularly in investment and technology-driven sectors, will be
instrumental as we seek to unlock the potential of Africa’s youth,” said Zein Abdalla, Chair
of the Board of Directors of the Mastercard Foundation.
"I am honoured to join the Mastercard Foundation's Board of Directors. The Foundation's programs are creating opportunities for millions of young people in Africa, particularly young entrepreneurs solving problems in education, financial services, and agriculture. I look forward to contributing my experience to grow the Foundation's impact in Africa and Canada," said Tsega Gebreyes, Founding Partner and CEO of Satya Capital.
Tsega has vast
experience fostering long-term growth for businesses in Africa, including her
last role as Chief of Strategy and Business Development Officer at Celtel
International. Earlier, she was a founding partner of NAOF, a $120 million
private equity fund managed by Zephyr Asset Management. She holds an MBA from
Harvard Business School and sits on several other Boards.
"I am honoured to serve on the Board of Directors. The Mastercard Foundation's program has played a crucial role in enabling young people across Africa to be catalysts of change, steering the economic transformation of their communities. I am excited to contribute to this critical work," and Sewit Ahderom, Co-Founder and COO of Gro Intelligence.
Sewit is a seasoned technology leader with extensive experience
in developed and emerging markets. She co-founded Gro Intelligence in Nairobi,
which went on to become a global leader in the use of AI for complex analysis
in the agricultural ecosystem and enabling companies to hedge against climate
risk. Her previous experience includes Vice President roles at Helios
Investment Partners and Citigroup. She holds an MBA from Columbia University
and is a member of two other Boards.
By: Kanto Okanta
