The Baobab Summit is a virtual event that celebrates the power of youth leadership, individual action, and positive social change across Africa. Since 2014, the Baobab Summit has been an essential part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. It embodies the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing transformative leadership and driving social change.
With over 40,000 Scholars supported by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, this Summit is a valuable space for Scholars, entrepreneurs, alumni, mentors, and partners to connect, collaborate, and share insights.

Suying Hugh, EdD
Program Manager, Mastercard Foundation
Centre for International Experience
University of Toronto
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Building Bridges for Safer Births: How Funmi Odushola connects trusted community caregivers with formal healthcare in Nigeria
Safe childbirth often depends on more than access to a health facility—it depends on trust. In Nigeria, Funmi Odushola is helping build bridges between traditional community caregivers and the formal health system to support healthier pregnancies and safer births.
Africa Health Collaborative Annual Convening 2026: Unlocking Africa Through Youth-led Health Innovation
The 2026 Annual Convening will spotlight Africa’s greatest strength—its young people, bringing together young innovators, health leaders, universities, governments, and ecosystem catalysts to explore practical solutions to Africa’s PHC challenges.
From Nurse to Changemaker: Betty Etornam Yibor’s Mission to Keep Girls in School
Read about how Betty Etornam Yibor is combining healthcare, advocacy, and social impact to improve the lives of girls and communities across Ghana.
Apply for the Fully-Funded Effective Healthcare Management Program (2026-2027 Cohort)
Apply for this fully-funded 9-month online program designed to equip Africa’s next generation of healthcare leaders with advanced skills in healthcare management and strategic leadership.
Women Innovators Shaping Africa’s Health Future: Highlights from FemSTEM Africa 2026
The programme culminated in a showcase of six women-led ventures from across Africa addressing some of the continent’s most pressing health challenges through locally developed and contextually relevant solutions.

KAARAANGE and HerbIma Take Top Honors at #HIFest2026 Pitch Competition
HIFest 2026 demonstrated that when young innovators are equipped with the right networks, mentorship, and opportunities, they are well-positioned to help shape the future of healthcare on the continent.

Beyond Hospitals and Academia: Career Pathways for Scientists and Health Professionals
Join Dr. Anniemarie Suma Maumba for the next Health in Africa Webinar series as we explore the diverse career opportunities available across the healthcare sector.

What Ghana’s Vaccine Ambitions Teach Us About Africa’s Health Sovereignty
Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s National Vaccine Institute (NVI), shares Ghana’s compelling vision for health sovereignty at the Health Innovation Festival (HIFest 2026) in Accra.

Health Innovation Festival 2026 Opens in Ghana with a Call for Collaboration, Innovation, and Investment
HIFest 2026 brings together emerging entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and health-sector leaders from across Africa and beyond to explore locally driven solutions to some of the continent’s most pressing healthcare challenges

Inside HIFest 2026: Meet the 37 Ventures Shaping the Future of Health in Africa
These African-led ventures represent some of the most promising health innovations advancing primary healthcare, entrepreneurship, and health systems strengthening across the continent.
