Sewit Ahderom

Kemi Ajumobi

April 14, 2026

Sewit Ahderom
President/CEO, Mastercard Foundation

Mastercard Foundation is passionate about youths. They see how youths are driving transformative change and the high possibility for them to achieve their full potential. It is why they believe that youth employment is key to unlocking prosperity, and accelerating economic growth through inclusive interventions that drive productivity and innovation is critical. They are not in this alone. They work with visionary organisations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and indigenous youths in Canada to access dignified, meaningful, and fulfilling work.

Leading such a laudable initiative for 20+ till date, with results to show, means that with consistency and right leadership, goals set can be actualised. Sitting at the helm of affairs as President/CEO of the foundation is a veteran technology frontrunner with vast experience in developed and emerging markets. She is Sewit Ahderom.

Before becoming President/CEO, Sewit co-founded Gro Intelligence, serving as Chief Operating Officer and building a global AI-driven platform that delivers insights on agriculture, climate, and economic development.

Before Gro, she was Vice President at Helios Investment Partners, an Africa-focused private investment fund. She also worked with Aga Khan Development Network, and was a Vice President at Citigroup’s Investment Banking division in New York.

Zein Abdalla, Chair of the Mastercard Foundation Board of Directors describes her as a highly talented global executive with a deep understanding of the African continent. “Sewit embodies our values. She is a thoughtful listener, fosters strong relationships, and is focused on delivering impactful results.” He said.

Reeta Roy. The former CEO had this to say about her “We have worked closely over the last two years. I respect her expertise and admire her leadership.”

Sewit holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Connecticut and an MBA from Columbia University.

With more than $53 billion in assets, the Mastercard Foundation is one of the largest and most impactful philanthropies in the world. It is currently implementing its Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to enable 30 million young people to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.