The $25.8 million partnership deal aims to engage over 10,000 innovators across Ghana and Ni­geria, according to a news release published on the UNDP website on Monday.

These will be individuals actively working on innovative solutions and will facilitate the rap­id validation, testing, and scaling of more than 500 unique solutions.

This strategic partnership aims to also foster inclusive innovation among diverse youth populations to address development challenges, the website added.
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The news release said the partnership between the UNDP and the MasterCard Foundation signified a shared commitment to creating sustainable, inclusive, and equitable opportunities for young people.

“This partnership is a key step to unlocking the untapped potential of every young person, particularly those often marginal­ised and overlooked. We aspire to tap the creative and transformative potential of diverse youth from across the country, encompassing those with disabilities, limited educational access, and residing in hard-to-reach areas,” Angela Lusi­gi, UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, said.

She said, “Our collective com­mitment envisions a world where no one is left behind, and where every young person’s creativity, re­gardless of their background, plays a pivotal role in crafting innovative solutions for a brighter and more equitable tomorrow.”

Under the partnership, the UNDP will work with innova­tion and enterprise organisations, including grassroots organisations, the private sector, and govern­ments to support different actors, including rural, low-literacy, inexperienced, and marginalised individuals.

The programme will utilise a challenge fund model to stimulate innovation and scale up impact towards inclusive development.

“This programme aims to put young people, especially young women, at the centre of driv­ing solutions that improve their well-being and resilience. Over the years, the Mastercard Founda­tion has supported innovation-fo­cused initiatives, and the lessons learned have informed the Young Africa Innovates programme design,” Rica Rwigamba, Country Director for the Mastercard Foundation in Ghana, said.