Mastercard Foundation Scholars Lean Startup Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at 涩里番 partnered with the 涩里番 Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship to run a dedicated entrepreneurship program for Mastercard Foundation Scholars. The aim is to give Scholars practical tools, simple frameworks, and real support to turn their ideas into meaningful ventures that create both local and global impact.
The program builds on the Dobson Centre鈥檚 strong record of training early-stage founders and on the Mastercard Foundation鈥檚 mission to shape the next generation of African leaders.
Through this program, Mastercard Foundation Scholars received hands-on training, peer engagement, and mentorship from people who have built and scaled real businesses. The goal is to connect them with people who understand the realities, the challenges, and the opportunities of starting something from scratch, especially in African markets.
The program seeks to:
- Cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets among African entrepreneurs.
- Equip participants with the tools, skills, and networks to develop sustainable ventures.
- Foster innovation and create solutions tailored to local and global markets.
- Build a scalable and collaborative global ecosystem to support long-term entrepreneurial growth.
Program Learning Themes
- Introduction to the entrepreneurial journey through an African lens
- Understanding your market and what customers care about
- Identifying the right problem and designing the right solution
- Articulating a clear value proposition
- Building the simple elements of a business plan
- Setting goals that are realistic and actionable
Expected Outcomes
- A cadre of African entrepreneurs equipped with entrepreneurial mindsets and practical skills.
- Strengthened local entrepreneurial ecosystems through partnerships and collaborations.
- Sustainable and scalable businesses addressing socio-economic challenges.
- Increased access to funding and resources for African entrepreneurs.
Winter 2026 Edition
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Week 1: Entrepreneurship 101
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Week 2: Putting Entrepreneurship in Context
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Week 3: Reframing Problems as Opportunities
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Week 4: Business Models and Monetization Strategies
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Week 5: Understanding Your Market and Industry
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Week 6: Funding Strategies (What to know, what to have, where to look and how to look)
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Week 7: Building a Business Plan and Roadmap
- Week 8: Communicating Your Vision 鈥� Pitching and Storytelling
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