Sewit Ahderom to Lead Mastercard Foundation: A New Chapter for Africa
The Mastercard Foundation, a leading global philanthropic organization, has announced Sewit Ahderom as its incoming President and CEO. She will take over from Reeta Roy, who has served in the role for almost 20 years, on January 1, 2026. This leadership transition signals a continued commitment to the Foundation’s Africa-first strategy, coupled with a greater emphasis on leveraging technology to drive job creation, skills development, and expanded opportunities across the continent.
A Tech-Forward Vision for African Development
Ahderom’s appointment reflects the Foundation’s evolving approach to addressing key challenges in Africa. As a seasoned technology executive with experience in both developed and emerging economies, she brings a unique perspective to the role. Her background includes co-founding Gro Intelligence, an innovative data platform focused on agriculture, climate, and economic trends. Prior to that, she served as Vice President at Helios Investment Partners, a private equity firm dedicated to investments in Africa. According to Zein Abdalla, Chair of the Mastercard Foundation Board, Ahderom’s “deep understanding of the African continent” and expertise in agrifood systems and technology, areas closely aligned with the Foundation’s mission, make her an ideal leader for the organization’s next phase.
The selection of Ahderom underscores the Mastercard Foundation’s intention to harness the power of technology to accelerate progress in Africa. Her leadership is expected to foster innovative solutions that address critical needs and empower individuals and communities across the continent.
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