Transforming Higher Education Across Africa
The Mastercard Foundation has announced a groundbreaking initiative to support universities driving systemic change and expanding opportunities for young people. The Africa Higher Education for Transformation (AHEFT) Prize, backed by a decade-long commitment of $500 million, will recognize institutions demonstrating exceptional impact in areas like research, teaching, innovation, and workforce development.
The inaugural winners represent diverse approaches to higher education excellence:
- Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia) - Recognized for aligning research with national priorities and strengthening workforce development through its integration with Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, which serves nearly 900,000 patients annually.
- International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE), Burkina Faso - Celebrated for its innovative practice-based education that produces highly employable graduates—over 70% secure jobs within a year of graduation.
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana) - Honored for building a leading research-to-innovation ecosystem through platforms like the Kumasi Business Incubator and Innovation Centre.
- Muni University (Uganda) - Commended for creating pathways from education to employment for refugees and underserved youth, with up to 70% of participants finding jobs within three months of program completion.
- University of Rwanda - Acknowledged for its pivotal role in strengthening Rwanda’s health system by training over 26,000 professionals and extending services to nearly 500,000 people through community outreach.
Each winning institution will receive $3 million to scale their transformative work. The Mastercard Foundation envisions the AHEFT Prize catalyzing a new era for African universities—becoming engines of opportunity that directly address workforce needs and drive economic advancement across the continent.