TATC and Mastercard Foundation Scale Youth Employability Efforts Across Africa

Since 2020, The African Talent Company (TATC), through Jobberman Nigeria, in partnership with theMastercard Foundation, under the Young Africa Works Strategy, has successfully trained over 2.4 million young Nigerians and facilitated more than 600,000 job placements, advancing inclusive, dignified work opportunities across the country.

This strategic partnership has applied a data-driven, community-based model and low-bandwidth digital solutions to ensure broad accessibility, especially for underserved youth aged 18 to 35.

Recently in Nigeria, Jobberman convened the Technology and Employment Inclusion in Marginalised Contexts (TEIMC) Roundtable in Abuja, shifting the focus to some of the continent’s most vulnerable youth: women in disadvantaged communities, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The event brought together leaders across government, civil society, tech platforms, and the private sector to tackle the structural and digital barriers these groups face in accessing employment opportunities.

“Technology can and must be a force for inclusion, not division,” said Hilda Kabushenga, CEO of The African Talent Company. “As the world of work evolves, we must ensure that no one is left behind. These conversations are about equity, access, and opportunity.”

The Roundtable also marked the launch of a groundbreaking report: “Technology and Employment Inclusion in Marginalised Contexts”, which revealed that while 72% of employers in Nigeria make no effort toward inclusive hiring, digital tools and remote work are beginning to create new entry points for underserved populations. 

Notably, 55% of PWDs and 44% of displaced women surveyed had secured some form of work, mainly through self-employment in creative media and agriculture.

“Inclusion is not a side conversation, it is the main agenda,” said Rosy Fynn, Country Director, Mastercard Foundation Nigeria. “We must design systems where marginalised groups are not just considered, but centred.”

The roundtable’s policy briefs and programme recommendations will inform the Young Africa Works learning agenda and guide future employer training, platform design, and inclusive employment programming.

Axel Konjack, Head of Global Marketplaces and Member of the Ringier Group Executive Board, added, “Africa is home to the world’s youngest and fastest-growing workforce, and that presents both an incredible opportunity and a responsibility. 

If we want to build a truly inclusive global economy, we must invest in equipping young Africans with the skills, tools and access they need to thrive in the evolving labour market.”

Building on this five-year partnership in Nigeria, impact activities are underway in East Africa through BrighterMondayKenya and BrighterMonday Uganda, as the Mastercard Foundation and The African Talent Company extend efforts to scale inclusive youth employment solutions across the continent. 

Recently, BrighterMonday Kenya hosted its first Career Clinic in Kakuma in partnership with the Amahoro Coalition, engaging over 200 displaced youth and stakeholders to build job readiness through mentorship, skills training, and strategic discussions under the theme “Future Ready: Equipping Talent for Inclusive Digital Job Markets.” 

Similarly, in Kampala,  BrighterMonday Uganda hosted a Career Clinic that brought together government and private sector leaders under the theme “Skills For Today: Empowering Uganda’s Youth To Take Control Of Their Future.” 

Numerous young job seekers accessed CV reviews, coaching, and digital skills training, reinforcing the initiative’s commitment to hands-on, work-readiness programming.

“This expansion reflects our belief that every young African, regardless of circumstance, deserves the opportunity to earn a dignified livelihood,” said Hilda Kabushenga. “The partnership in Nigeria has laid a strong foundation, but the real work has just begun.”