The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences – AIMS, Ghana on November 5, 2025, hosted the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team for an interactive engagement session with the 2025/2026 cohort of Mastercard Foundation Scholars. The session formed part of AIMS Ghana’s ongoing collaboration with the Foundation to nurture Africa’s next generation of transformative leaders in science, technology and innovation.

The engagement opened with an exciting Spoken Word performance by two Scholars, on what it means to be supported by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. This was followed by welcoming remarks by Mrs. Beauty Beatrice Kwawu, Program Manager at the Centre, who emphasized the value of continuous dialogue between partners and students in strengthening the Scholars Program. She noted that such interactions offer Scholars a deeper understanding of the program’s vision and encourage them to take ownership of their learning and leadership journey.

Dr. Rhoda Hawkins, Academic Director of AIMS Ghana, delivered the official welcome, highlighting the Scholars’ remarkable progress in their academic and personal development. She encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity to connect with representatives from the Mastercard Foundation, whose partnership continues to make world-class STEM education accessible to Africa’s brightest minds.

A key highlight of the event was the roundtable conversation led by Basirat Agboola, Acting Head of the Scholars Program Partner Network at the Mastercard Foundation. The discussion provided an open platform for Scholars to share their experiences, challenges and aspirations. Ms. Agboola commended the Scholars for their resilience and academic dedication, urging them to embrace leadership, collaboration and innovation in their pursuit of excellence.

The interactive session concluded with a Q&A segment and closing reflections, during which participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage directly with the Foundation’s representatives. The program ended with a group photograph, symbolizing unity and the shared vision of transforming Africa through education and leadership.

The visit reinforced the strong partnership between AIMS Ghana and the Mastercard Foundation and reflected a mutual commitment to empowering Africa’s youth to shape the continent’s future through science, technology, and innovation.