The Mastercard Foundation has announced the appointment of Sewit Adherom as its next President and CEO, effective January 1, 2026. She will succeed Reeta Roy, who has provided nearly two decades of impactful leadership, shaping the Foundation into one of the most influential philanthropic organizations in the world. This transition marks a new chapter in the Foundation’s journey, reinforcing its Africa-first strategy while signaling an increased focus on technology-driven solutions to address the continent’s most pressing challenges.
Adherom brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned technology leader and entrepreneur with a deep understanding of both developed and emerging markets. She co-founded Gro Intelligence, a platform leveraging data and technology to address issues across agriculture, climate, and economic systems. Her earlier role as Vice President at Helios Investment Partners, an Africa-focused private equity firm, gave her unique insight into investment, innovation, and scaling impact across the continent. These credentials align closely with the Foundation’s mission to empower African youth with the skills and opportunities needed for dignified livelihoods.
Founded in 2006, the Mastercard Foundation has grown into one of the world’s largest philanthropies, with assets exceeding $53 billion. Its Young Africa Works strategy has set an ambitious goal of enabling 30 million young Africans to secure dignified work by 2030. Under Reeta Roy’s leadership, the Foundation became a central player in advancing education, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion. With more than $10 billion committed to programs across Africa and Indigenous communities in Canada, the Foundation continues to invest in initiatives that expand opportunities and strengthen communities.
Adherom’s leadership is expected to bring renewed emphasis on leveraging technology and innovation to drive sustainable impact. This includes integrating more digital solutions into programs that already empower millions of young Africans. The Foundation has supported over 40,000 scholars to complete their education and transition into careers and helped more than 13 million young Africans secure fulfilling work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it demonstrated agility by committing $1.5 billion to support vaccine access through a partnership with the Africa CDC, underscoring its role as a reliable partner in crisis response and long-term development.
As a board member of the Foundation for more than two years, Adherom has already been part of shaping its strategic direction. Her career, marked by resilience, agility, and entrepreneurial insight, positions her to take the Foundation’s impact to the next level. She has expressed her commitment to listening, learning, and strengthening partnerships with young people, staff, and collaborators across Africa and Canada. Her appointment signals continuity, fresh energy, and a sharper technological focus, ensuring that the Mastercard Foundation remains a transformative force for youth empowerment and inclusive growth in Africa.
