The MasterCard Foundation and Ashoka have partnered to launch Future Forward, an initiative that identifies and supports social entrepreneurs and changemakers with innovative solutions for youth employment in sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative convenes a wider community of practitioners, thought leaders, and young Africans with effective approaches and a vision for redefining livelihoods and leadership in the 21st century.

The directory features 36 of the Future Forward social innovators, ranging from early-stage, youth-lead enterprises to advanced-stage efforts leading the way to create systemic change in the field of youth livelihoods. We showcase them around six big ideas:

1. Don't exploit young people or create entitlement: reward meaningful contributions
2. Design classrooms beyond walls: ensure youth rapidly skill-up through community problem-solving
3. Promote purpose and holistic health as foundational for career development
4. Redefine what counts as a “good” job
5. Revive intergenerational teamwork
6. Don’t just serve youth - trust youth to lead

🔎 Discover their meaningful work by reading our report: