Discussion with Peter Materu, Chief Program Officer at Mastercard Foundation

A conversation with Dr. Peter Materu, Chief Program Officer for the Mastercard Foundation. Peter discussing Mastercard’s “Young Africa Works” strategy, an audacious program to ensure 30 million young people in Africa have opportunities to learn and prosper. He also shared insights into Mastercard’s innovative approach to philanthropy.

The Mastercard Foundation is one of the largest foundations in the world. It focuses almost exclusively in Africa, with a mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion for people living in poverty.

Before joining the Mastercard Foundation, Peter was the Manager for Education in Africa at the World Bank. He conceived the Africa Centres of Excellence initiative, which is advancing STEM education in multiple African universities across the continent. Peter served as the Chair of the Executive Committee of the Association for the Development of Education in Africa. He was also Director for Graduate Studies and Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The conversation was hosted by Dr. Christopher Thomas, GSE Social Entrepreneur in Residence, and Professor Christine Min Wotipka, ICE and IEPA MA Program Director.