Latest news with #MastercardFoundation
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Young African entrepreneurs honoured at Anzisha summit
The African Leadership Academy in Honeydew hosted the Entrepreneurship, Education and Africa Summit, an annual event run by Anzisha to support and celebrate young African entrepreneurs. Didi Onwu, managing editor at Anzisha, said the summit brings together people and organisations from across the continent's entrepreneurship space. 'It's a chance to celebrate the young entrepreneurs we support through our fellowship,' she said. Read more: G20 Summit the ball gets rolling Anzisha started in 2011 with backing from the African Leadership Academy and Mastercard Foundation. It offers a two-year fellowship for entrepreneurs aged 15 to 22. The programme supports a wide range of sectors such as agriculture, fashion, health, education, climate, and manufacturing and focuses on young people already running real businesses. 'We select 30 entrepreneurs per intake,' said Onwu. 'They get business coaching and go through leadership training to help build sustainable businesses that can grow and create jobs.' In 2021, Anzisha changed the format of the event to include a knowledge-sharing session in the morning and a celebration in the afternoon. Before then, it was mainly a gala event. The summit programme included panel talks, networking, and break-out sessions, giving attendees a full day of learning and engagement. Onwu explained that the name 'Anzisha' is a Swahili word meaning 'to start' or 'to ignite', a reflection of their mission to support youth-led businesses. The summit has become one of Anzisha's biggest annual events, offering learning, networking, and recognition for Africa's next generation of business leaders. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
Montreal Gazette
11-07-2025
- Business
- Montreal Gazette
Rich List Exclusive: How the Azrielis built Canada's largest family foundation
In 2004, real estate tycoon David Azrieli gathered his family to map out a new kind of legacy. After decades spent reshaping skylines across Israel, he turned his focus to philanthropy. The result is now Canada's largest family-led philanthropic foundation. With more than $2.4 billion in assets, the Azrieli Foundation disbursed over $116 million in 2023 alone. It is second in scale only to the Mastercard Foundation. David died in 2014. Now his daughters Naomi, Sharon, and Danna collectively oversee the foundation, which has given more than $600 million since becoming more active in 2004, though it was originally founded several decades earlier. Naomi manages day-to-day operations. Sharon, a classically trained singer, leads funding in music, arts and culture. Danna, who lives in Israel and oversees the family's business there, focuses on supporting Jewish communities. 'I am chair of the board and also CEO of the day-to-day operations,' Naomi told The Gazette. 'But my sisters are very involved ... in a guiding way and as a result of their expertise.' The foundation's first three priorities were set with their father in 2004: support for vulnerable youth, elite researchers and Holocaust memory. 'He had three ideas,' Naomi said. 'One was educational opportunities for vulnerable youth. ... That became our educational empowerment program. The second was support for elite early-career researchers. That became our Azrieli Fellows Program. And the third was Holocaust memory, publishing first-person accounts of survivors who came to Canada after the war. We continue those to this day.' By the numbers Assets in 2023: $2.4 billion Total donations to date: $600 million+ 2023 disbursements: $116 million Family net worth: $7.7 billion Founded: 1989 (first active decade began in 2004) Naomi said the foundation has expanded into new areas over time. 'We've developed further in health care and science, especially neurodevelopment and research on the brain,' she said. Montreal, she added, remains central to the foundation's work. 'It's where we grew up. It's where we started,' Naomi said. 'Even when we're piloting something new, we often start in Montreal.' Recent initiatives include a $50-million child health partnership between the Ste-Justine Hospital and SickKids, a $3-million gift to Summit School for a new neurodiverse campus, and over $15 million as lead donor to the new Montreal Holocaust Museum. The foundation also gave $2 million to the Montreal Symphony Orchestra to expand an immersive music education program for children in underserved communities. Whether a grant is large or modest, Naomi emphasized, the key is how it's used. 'It's not always about how much money — it's about how it's deployed. Some organizations do a lot with $50,000. Others need $5 million.' That philosophy shapes how the foundation measures impact. 'Sometimes an organization doesn't meet the mark. It happens. That's why we keep things high-touch,' she said. 'We look at scale, at sustainability, at whether they brought in other partners. We try to walk away in a way that doesn't hurt people — or help them find better-aligned funders.' Naomi said her leadership style draws heavily on lessons from her father as well as her mother, Stephanie. 'The best leaders make a habit of listening more than talking,' she said. 'And sometimes, you need to listen for what isn't said.' On women in leadership, she said: 'It's still far too rare. I'm very proud that my entire C-suite is women — not because we set out to do that, but because they were the best people. If I had to give advice, I'd say resilience is the key. Skills matter, yes. But it's bouncing back after setbacks — that's what makes the difference.' 'Be persistent,' she added. 'But persistence doesn't mean going it alone. Sometimes you need to know when to delegate. And leaning into those collaborations is actually also a way to empower others.' She said the foundation aims to be more than generous — it aims to be generative. 'We try to be catalytic. Sometimes that means high-profile investments. Other times, it's smaller things that would otherwise be overlooked. Either way, the goal is to make things happen.' Looking ahead, she said the foundation won't shift focus but will look to expand its impact. 'We're not trying to reinvent the mission,' she said. 'We're doubling down — in science and health care, in music and arts, and in strengthening Jewish communities, especially in this challenging time. 'If you look back in 20 years, you'll recognize the journey,' she added. 'The mission will still be there. Even if the projects evolve, the values will stay the same.' This story was originally published July 11, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Majid Al Futtaim announces appointment of Zein Abdalla and Iyad Malas to its Holding Board
Dubai, UAE – Majid Al Futtaim, a leading shopping mall, communities, retail, and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, announces the appointment of Zein Abdalla and Iyad Malas as Non-Executive Directors to its Holding Board. Fadel Abdulbaqi Al Ali, Chairman of Majid Al Futtaim's Holding Board, said: 'I am pleased to welcome Zein Abdalla and Iyad Malas to the Majid Al Futtaim Holding Board. Their wealth of experience and global perspective will be invaluable as we continue to build on the Group's legacy of innovation and excellence. The appointment of these two distinguished business leaders marks an exciting new chapter for the organisation, and I am confident that their contributions will help guide us toward continued success and sustainable growth.' Zein Abdalla brings vast experience from long tenures at global companies including 19 years at PepsiCo, where he retired as President of the global business and 16 years at Mars Inc. Throughout his esteemed career, he developed expertise in corporate and general management, supply chain procurement, global brand management, innovation and global strategy across both developed and emerging markets. He currently serves as Chair of the Mastercard Foundation, Board Adviser to Mars Inc., Board Member of Cognizant, and Board Member of the Kuwait Food Company (Americana). Iyad Malas brings over 35 years of experience in various senior roles across sectors which include real estate, retail, leisure & entertainment, financial services, and investments. His previous roles include Partner at Gateway Partners Equity Firm, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, Chief Operating Officer, Head of Asset Management at EFG Hermes and had a notable career with the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group. He is currently the CEO of Al Ghurair Group and sits on the Board of Directors of a number of listed companies including Mashreq Bank, National Cement Company and Polyplex Corporation in both India and Thailand. About Majid Al Futtaim Founded in 1992, Majid Al Futtaim is an Emirati-owned, diversified lifestyle conglomerate with operations across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Inspired by the vision of its late founder, Mr. Majid Al Futtaim, to create great moments for everyone, everyday; the company has grown into one of the region's most respected businesses. The Group employs more than 43,000 people and serves 600 million customers across its physical and digital ecosystem each year. With owned assets valued at US$19 billion, Majid Al Futtaim has the highest credit rating (BBB) among privately held companies in the region. Majid Al Futtaim owns 29 shopping malls including the flagship Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt, and Mall of Oman as well as the iconic City Centre destinations. Its real estate portfolio includes seven luxury hotels and five mixed-use developments, and it is the creator of highly sought after communities including Ghaf Woods and Tilal Al Ghaf in Dubai, Al Zahia in Sharjah and Al Mouj in Muscat. In 1995, Majid Al Futtaim introduced modern grocery retail to the region. Today, it owns and operates a portfolio of brands across a network of nearly 500 stores. Majid Al Futtaim's assets and interests act as a gateway into the Middle East for global fashion, home and beauty brands, including lululemon, LEGO, Crate and Barrel, and Shiseido, as well as regional multi-brand, omnichannel concept store, THAT. It is the proud operator of more than 600 VOX Cinemas screens and owns a network of world-class leisure and entertainment experiences including the infamous Ski Dubai. All of its retail and entertainment experiences are linked through SHARE, the UAE's fastest growing loyalty programme, which leverages AI and advanced data analytics to bring customers personalised rewards, unique experiences and great moments, everyday. Please follow us on:
CBC
23-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Carleton University launches new program aimed at training Indigenous journalists
Three educational institutions in Ontario have teamed up to offer journalism training to Indigenous learners in remote communities who may have faced roadblocks to education in the past. Carleton University in Ottawa, in partnership with Kenjgewin Teg in M'Chigeeng First Nation on Mnidoo Mnising/Manitoulin Island and the First Nations Technical Institute based in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, announced in January the launch of the Certificate in Journalism in Indigenous Communities, funded by $3.2 million from the Mastercard Foundation to develop and "I hope that not only will we be producing a new crop of Indigenous journalists, but also that we will be sending a message to other journalism schools… to start patterning programs that suit Indigenous learners' needs," said Duncan McCue, the director of the program. McCue and several of the program's administrators and instructors are either current or former employees of CBC News. The nine-month, eight-course program will begin in September, with four of the courses offered completely online. The courses will be led by Indigenous instructors working in the field and an advisory committee including elders and industry experts will oversee the program. McCue said he hopes allowing students to study from home will address some of the social, cultural and financial barriers Indigenous learners have when they have to move away from their communities for school. According to 2016 Census data from Statistics Canada, First Nations students living on reserve are 20 per cent less likely to complete post-secondary education than those living off reserve. "We know that one of the major barriers for all Indigenous learners in many different fields is leaving home," said McCue. "It's hard leaving family. They may be leaving behind ceremony or language or being out on the land. All those kinds of things make it difficult for Indigenous students to come down to the cities." Three of the courses will be offered as in-person intensives — one in Ottawa, one on Manitoulin Island and the third yet to be determined — to foster community within the program and train hands-on skills, said McCue. The cost of travel, accommodation and food for these will be covered. The tuition fee structure will follow that of Carleton's Bachelor of Journalism program. "We can take back the mic," McCue said. "People have been telling our stories for a really long time… what we're offering is just a little bit of training and kind of the foundations of media work." The program will also have a student success facilitator to support students that may need help with funding applications or liaising with teachers, as well as a dedicated cultural advisor to help support students along their learning journey. Sharing stories nothing new Francine Compton, head of the Indigenous Journalists Association and the program's internship co-ordinator, said the use of Indigenous pedagogy — a holistic approach to learning that takes into account Indigenous world views — will make the program one of a kind. "I think it's going to change the game," Compton said. "Storytelling in our cultures and our communities is not anything new. We've been sharing our stories since time immemorial. Our oral histories have been passed down through generations. So that's the importance of the craft, which is storytelling and journalism." McCue said the program also includes a $3,000 graduation incentive award upon certificate completion to assist with financial barriers. Graduates of the program would be able to enter the second year of Carleton's Bachelor of Journalism or Bachelor of Arts programs. A spokesperson for The Mastercard Foundation said in a written statement to CBC Indigenous that it is proud to partner on a program that will help all Canadians better understand Indigenous peoples' perspectives, priorities and realities.
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Mastercard Foundation and UNHCR launch historic partnership to transform education and livelihoods
NAIROBI, Kenya - /African Media Agency(AMA)/- The Mastercard Foundation today announced a landmark $300 million strategic partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, that will enable more than half a million refugees and displaced youth across Africa to complete their education and 200,000 young people to transition into dignified work by 2030. 'This extraordinary commitment comes at a time of unprecedented displacement across Africa, and globally,' said Kelly T. Clements, UNHCR Deputy High Commissioner. 'Its scale and long-term focus – on education for refugee children and youth, and on livelihoods for adults – lay the foundation for meaningful recovery and lasting contributions to host communities. The stability and opportunities such support provides are exactly what displaced communities need to rebuild their lives and move forward amid all the challenges they face.' This five-year initiative represents one of the largest private philanthropic commitments of its kind globally and expands the Foundation's collaboration with UNHCR to improve long-term outcomes for refugees and displaced people. 'We've seen refugees and displaced young people make immense contributions to their communities when they have the right support," said Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation. "As part of our Young Africa Works strategy we are scaling high impact partnerships that enable young people to access the education and skills needed to get a job or build their own businesses. This new commitment to UNHCR is a continuation of that approach and builds upon remarkable results achieved enabling 68,000 youth to access work in just six months.' This partnership contributes to Mastercard Foundation's goal of enabling 30 million young people to access dignified work by 2030, as part of the Young Africa Works strategy. The announcement was made in Nairobi at the 2025 Africa Forum on Displacement, a strategic event co-convened by the Amahoro Coalition, Inkomoko and UNHCR and supported by the Mastercard Foundation and IKEA Foundation. Under the theme "All-In," the Forum convenes industry leaders, government officials, philanthropic organizations, and refugee-led businesses to discuss and commit to sustainable action. Addressing an Urgent Continental Challenge With 45 million refugees and displaced people across Africa, countries like Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo represent some of the largest displacement crises globally. This partnership will focus on these most affected regions while providing UNHCR the flexibility to respond to the cross-border nature of displacement. The partnership aims to achieve the following: Enable more than half a million refugees and displaced youth (50% women, 5% persons with disabilities) to access and complete secondary education. Support 10,000 young people in tertiary education, including university and TVET (technical and vocational education and training) programs. Transition 200,000 youth (70% women) into dignified work through entrepreneurship and employment. Strengthen 100 local and refugee-led organizations to co-implement solutions and influence policy. Building on Proven Impact Since 2019, the Mastercard Foundation has partnered with UNHCR on several impactful initiatives to strengthen resilience and promote entrepreneurship among displaced young people and refugees. One notable program supporting refugees in Sudan and neighboring countries has helped 30,000 young people return to secondary education and enabled 68,000 youth - 62% of whom are women - to access work opportunities within just six months. Behind these numbers are stories of remarkable transformation, like Dr. Fatima, a doctor who fled Sudan's conflict with her four children. After years serving in some of the toughest emergency wards across Darfur and Khartoum, war changed everything. Overnight, she and her children became refugees, crossing into Chad. Through the Mastercard Foundation–UNHCR partnership, Dr. Fatima received accreditation to continue her medical career, working alongside Sudanese colleagues Yacoub and Hassan. Fatima and Yacoub have now obtained their accreditation to practice in Chad, with Hassan's accreditation process underway. This professional recognition enables them to work, earn, and serve both refugee and host communities. For Fatima, the ability to work is about more than a paycheck — it's a return to identity, dignity, and purpose. The dramatic impact achieved in Sudan demonstrates what is possible when emergency humanitarian response evolves into investment in refugee-led development solutions. Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Mastercard Foundation. About UNHCR UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to protecting people forced to flee because of conflict, violence or persecution. Since 1950, UNHCR has been providing life-saving assistance, safeguarding fundamental rights, and helping build better futures for refugees, displaced communities and stateless people. Working in over 135 countries, UNHCR delivers protection and support to millions each year, helping them find safety, stability and hope. For more information, visit About the Mastercard Foundation The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. As part of the Young Africa Works strategy - which aims to enable 30 million young people to access dignified and fulfilling jobs by 2030 - the Foundation is scaling high impact partnerships that enable young people to access the necessary education and skills needed to get a job or build their own businesses. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation's Board of Directors and Leadership team. For more information on the Foundation, please visit Media contacts: UNHCR Amina Rai: raia@ Mastercard Foundation Kweku Ahiagble: rkahiagble@
