On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the vibrant energy of young minds filled the halls of Noom Hotel, Dakar, as FAWE Senegal and the FAWE West Africa Sub-Regional Office (WASRO) joined fellow host organizations at a landmark gathering of interns under the Mastercard Foundation’s youth empowerment programme.

Organized by LEAP Africa in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, the event brought together a cross-section of interns placed across Dakar in a celebration of growth, gratitude, and forward-looking ambition. Far more than a networking event, this was a moment of deep appreciation—of what has been built, and what still lies ahead.

The opening remarks, delivered by the Finance Lead of Mastercard Foundation, set the tone with a message of collaborative stewardship—a reminder that these internship journeys are not just personal milestones, but pieces of a much larger puzzle driving systemic youth transformation across the continent.

Following this, Ms. Diana Amabelle N., Director of Programmes and Partnerships at LEAP Africa, extended warm thanks to all participating organizations, interns, and guests. With grace and conviction, she emphasized the shared responsibility to empower young Africans not as beneficiaries, but as co-creators of a more just and equitable future.

In a touching moment, several interns took the floor—speaking not from prepared notes, but from the heart. They saluted the partnerships that made their professional journeys possible, spotlighted the skills gained, and reflected on how the programme had expanded their sense of purpose, capacity, and confidence.

The heart of the event unfolded in a rich panel discussion, led by three remarkable women:

  • Ms. Amabelle N., LEAP Africa
  • Ms. Michelle, Mastercard Foundation
  • Ms. Laïssa Mouen, KINAYA Ventures

Their dialogue unpacked realities and opportunities for youth in Africa’s innovation and education ecosystems, leaving participants energized and inspired.

Throughout the day, one theme echoed: collaboration works when it’s human, intentional, and future-focused. And for FAWE Senegal and WASRO, who have long championed girls’ education and youth empowerment, this gathering served as both recognition and reaffirmation—that investing in young people is the surest path toward transformative change.