UM6P, Mastercard Foundation Empowering Future Leaders in Africa’s Growth Sectors

The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has launched an all-female scholarship program aimed at empowering young African women in science, technology, engineering, and leadership. The initiative seeks to break barriers to education for women and reshape Africa’s future by investing in its untapped female talent.

The program will fully fund undergraduate and graduate studies for hundreds of high-potential young women from across Africa, with a special focus on marginalised and underserved communities. Scholars will be trained in STEM, green innovation, agribusiness, and entrepreneurship—sectors critical to sustainable development.

Bridging the Gender Gap in Education and Innovation

Despite progress in recent years, African women remain severely underrepresented in higher education and STEM careers. According to UNESCO, only 30% of sub-Saharan African researchers are women, and many girls face systemic barriers, including poverty, early marriage, and gender bias.

“This scholarship is about more than education—it’s about equity and transformation,” said Dr. Laila Benmakhlouf, Director of Partnerships at UM6P. “We are building a pipeline of confident, skilled women leaders who will drive Africa’s innovation.”

Long-Term Social and Economic Impact

Studies show that educating girls leads to ripple effects across society: reduced poverty, improved health outcomes, and increased economic growth. The UM6P-Mastercard Foundation initiative addresses these outcomes directly by offering more than just tuition. Scholars will receive mentorship, career support, leadership training, and access to a vibrant pan-African network of changemakers.

“The impact of this program will be felt for generations,” said Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation. “When you invest in women, you invest in communities, economies, and futures.”

Empowering Future Leaders in Africa’s Growth Sectors

The scholarship is aligned with Africa’s Agenda 2063, which emphasises inclusive development, youth empowerment, and gender equality. By equipping women to lead in fields like AI, agritech, climate resilience, and clean energy, the program seeks to position African women at the heart of the continent’s transformation.

In addition, UM6P’s state-of-the-art campus in Morocco provides scholars with access to cutting-edge labs, global faculty, and hands-on research opportunities, ensuring they graduate not just with knowledge but also he skills to lead change.

A Call to Action

This initiative sets a powerful precedent for gender-focused educational investment in Africa. As the program launches its first cohort, UM6P and Mastercard Foundation call on governments, the private sector, and philanthropic partners to expand similar models across the continent.

The message is clear: when African women rise, Africa rises with them.