The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Ghana recently welcomed a high-level delegation from the Mastercard Foundation as part of a courtesy visit aimed at deepening collaboration and assessing the impact of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

The seven-member team was led by Adrian Bukenya, Senior Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, who was visiting AIMS Ghana for the first time. The visit featured a series of engagements, including an interactive session with AIMS Ghana management where he encouraged deeper collaboration and knowledge sharing between AIMS Ghana and other Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partner institutions.

In her opening remarks, the Program Manager, Beauty Beatrice Kwawu, highlighted the longstanding partnership between AIMS and the Mastercard Foundation, describing it as a defining force in advancing STEM education across Africa. She noted that Phase II of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is expanding opportunities to 1,350 Mastercard Foundation Scholars across AIMS centres, while strengthening inclusion, systems and pathways to employment. Discussions also explored the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program’s impact, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni engagement and collaboration with other Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partner institutions.

A presentation by Academic Manager, Dr.  Angela Tabiri on behalf of the Centre President, Dr. Prince K. Osei, showcased AIMS Ghana’s unique academic model and its contribution to developing highly skilled African scientists. The session highlighted AIMS’ commitment to excellence, underscoring the institute’s vision of building a growing network of African scientists who drive Africa’s scientific, technological and socio-economic transformation.

A highlight of the visit was a roundtable discussion between Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program delegation and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars. The team was welcomed with a spoken word performance by Theophilus Ansah Owusu and Emelia Vinyo. The performance reflected their journeys and community outreach efforts, including youth mentorship, teaching and other volunteer initiatives.

In his remarks, Adrian Bukenya encouraged Mastercard Foundation Scholars to leverage the opportunities provided by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to drive meaningful change in their communities. He was joined by key members of the Foundation team, including Diane S. Kouame – Acting Director, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program; Omar Wade – Director of Program Finance, Education and Transitions and Basirat Agboola – Head of the Scholars Partner Network, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

On behalf of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars, Hayat Zahi and Reagan Mwale thanked the team from the Foundation, reaffirming their commitment to contributing to Africa’s development.

For AIMS Ghana, the visit reaffirmed its role as a leading centre of excellence dedicated to nurturing Africa’s next generation of scientists, innovators and problem-solvers, while strengthening strategic partnerships that advance education and opportunity for talented young Africans.