Mastercard Foundation appoints Sewit Ahderom as next President & CEO

The Mastercard Foundation has appointed Sewit Ahderom as its next President and CEO, succeeding Reeta Roy, who will step down after 18 years of transformative leadership. Ahderom, a seasoned technology leader and current Board member, will assume the role on January 1, 2026, following a seamless transition period with Roy, who will continue leading the Foundation through 2025.

The Board of Directors conducted a global search for a leader who embodies the Foundation’s values, brings a global perspective, and has substantial experience in Africa. Ahderom emerged as the standout choice due to her deep expertise in agrifood systems, technology, and commitment to scaling the Foundation’s impact in Africa and Indigenous communities in Canada.

“Sewit is a highly talented global executive with a deep understanding of the African continent,” said Zein Abdalla, Chair of the Mastercard Foundation Board. “Her career as an investor and entrepreneur, combined with her focus on delivering impactful results, makes her the ideal leader to advance our mission.”

ALSO READ: ANGOLA CABLES NAMES SAMUEL CARVALHO AS TELCABLES EUROPE CEO

Ahderom’s career spans development, the private sector, and technology entrepreneurship. She co-founded Gro Intelligence, a platform delivering insights on agriculture and climate trends, and served as Vice President at Helios Investment Partners and Industrial Promotion Services. She also held a Vice President role at Citigroup’s Investment Banking Division. Recently, she has advised on initiatives using AI and emerging technologies to address humanitarian challenges, particularly for displaced communities. Ahderom holds an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Connecticut and an MBA from Columbia University.

“I am honored to serve the Foundation’s mission,” Ahderom said. “Building on Reeta Roy’s extraordinary leadership, I am excited to collaborate with young people, staff, and partners to drive meaningful change across Africa and within Indigenous communities in Canada.”

The Mastercard Foundation, with over $53 billion in assets, is focused on enabling 30 million young Africans to access dignified work by 2030 through its Young Africa Works strategy and supporting 100,000 Indigenous youth in Canada via its EleV Program. Ahderom’s leadership will prioritize local solutions to sustain and expand these ambitious goals.