The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is an entrepreneurship acceleration program implemented in partnership with tech hubs. It provides select African-led EdTech companies with critical business and financial support and insight into the science of learning, preparing them for scale, sustainability, and impact.
These 13 EdTech Fellows symbolize a transformative step forward in re-imagining education in Ethiopia. Through the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, we are investing in their vision and innovation to bridge critical education gaps and provide underserved young learners with the tools and opportunities to thrive. Together, we aim to contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous future for Ethiopia.
The 13 selected EdTech solutions are:
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LIQ Tutors is a platform connecting students with vetted tutors and offering interactive learning resources like games and videos to enhance cognitive development.
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ECP focuses on improving high school and university students' English proficiency, helping them access education and career opportunities.
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Ethio IQ is a digital academic platform that provides personalized tutoring and test preparation resources to address slower learning outcomes in Ethiopia's national exams.
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A+ Online Tutors provides affordable, creative eLearning services for students in grades 5-12, with an inclusive approach targeting underrepresented communities.
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AIT is an all-in-one STEM platform integrating learning management and virtual lab simulations to address education infrastructure gaps in Ethiopian schools.
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Yimaru Academy delivers free, culturally relevant English language lessons and career-focused skills through social media and online platforms.
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EdTech Hub ET provides ongoing digital skills training for teachers through LMS and face-to-face sessions to improve classroom practices and student learning outcomes.
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Askuala Link is a school communication platform offering real-time academic updates, attendance tracking, and personalized performance analysis.
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Think Hub Innovations combines digital tools and practical STEM learning experiences like virtual labs and adaptive platforms to engage Ethiopian students.
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EduTech ICT Solutions PLC provides curriculum-aligned digital tools and exam preparation resources to supplement in-person learning for grades 9-12.
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Geez Education & Training (GET) bridges Ethiopia's digital skills gap through tailored EdTech platforms, an LMS, and digital skills training programs focused on empowering youth and underserved communities with skills for meaningful employment and entrepreneurship.
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Kelem Tutors blends personalized tutoring with technology to support KG-12 students, addressing academic underperformance and creating mentorship opportunities.
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BeBlocky uses gamified coding lessons and hands-on experiences at Yenetta Code centers to teach programming to children aged 5-15. The initiative has educated over 2,300 students and created inclusive content for underserved communities.
During the Fellowship, the selected enterprises’ Founders will benefit from:
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One-on-one coaching from industry experts.
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Peer learning sessions and networking opportunities.
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Access to courses delivered by faculty from Carnegie Mellon University.
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Investor advisory support to strengthen financial sustainability.
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Equity-free venture funding of USD 60,000 per enterprise to scale their innovations.
While technology is an enabler, it requires intentionality to drive the desired impact for the most marginalized in our societies. I challenge EdTech entrepreneurs to develop solutions with end users in mind. Let us prioritize relevance, accessibility, strategic partnerships, and the design of sustainable solutions.
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is a three-year initiative aimed at supporting 36 EdTech enterprises in Ethiopia. In 2024, the program accelerated eleven solutions. The goal of the program is to increase access to inclusive learning opportunities for all, including learners in underserved communities, young girls often left out of access to education, and out-of-school youth, among others.
About Reach for Change
Reach for Change supports social entrepreneurs at all stages of development and improves ecosystems for social entrepreneurship. Founded in Sweden in 2010, the organization has supported over 2,000 Change Leaders across 18 countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia, positively impacting 4.7 million children and youth. The partnership with the Mastercard Foundation signifies a shared commitment to empowering innovative solutions for inclusive education in Ethiopia.
About the Mastercard Foundation
The Mastercard Foundation is one of the largest foundations in the world, focusing on education and financial inclusion to enable dignified work for youth in Africa and Indigenous communities in Canada. Established in 2006, the Foundation has partnered with organizations to advance its mission across Africa, reaching millions of young people. For more information, visit www.mastercardfdn.org
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is an entrepreneurship acceleration program designed to support promising African EdTech companies. Implemented in partnership with innovation hubs and EdTech accelerators across Africa, the Fellowship provides select EdTech companies with critical business and financial support, as well as insight into the science of learning, preparing them for scale, sustainability, and impact. The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship was launched in 2019 with a goal to partner with 12 Tech Hubs to support over 250 EdTech companies and reach at least 1.8 million young people by 2025.
