Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund Call for Applications

The Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund is an ambitious initiative, a Fund of Funds worth USD$200 million, that collaborates with African investment funds to assist early-stage, growth-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the continent.

Objective
The primary objective of the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund is to create meaningful and fulfilling employment opportunities for young individuals, with a particular focus on young women.

The Fund of Funds acts as a catalyst, attracting additional capital for African entrepreneurs, especially female entrepreneurs. It strengthens and mitigates risks for African investment funds dedicated to promoting gender equality in entrepreneurship.

Scope
The Fund-of-Funds initiative will contribute to the advancement of the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to empower 30 million young people in Africa, particularly young women, to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.

Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for consideration for the fund, you must be the owner of a small or medium enterprise (SME) in Africa.

Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund Benefits

• The Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund is an ambitious initiative, a USD$200 million Fund of Funds, that collaborates with African investment funds to assist early-stage, growth-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the continent.
• The Fund-of-Funds invests in African investment vehicles that target small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and applies Gender Lens Investing (GLI) principles.
• It provides Business Development Services (BDS) support to investment funds and portfolio SMEs.
• It aims to significantly increase the number of decent jobs available for women and youth.

Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund Application

• To apply for the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund, please complete the online form.
• For more details visit the website
• Please note that we will not respond to incomplete applications or applications submitted by organizations other than investment vehicles. The MFAGF invests in funds/investment vehicles and does not directly invest in SMEs, therefore, applications from SMEs will not be considered.