ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – On 26 August, the streets of Addis Ababa, CMC, buzzed with an electrifying energy of hope, determination, and collective ambition. Vibrant young women and men from the FAWE Ethiopia Chapter and the Mastercard Foundation Phase II Program took to the streets for a symbolic walk to the Addis Ababa International Convention Center, transforming a simple march into a powerful declaration of intent.
This walk was more than a procession; it showcased the unity, resilience, and shared ambition of a generation ready to transform Africa’s future through education, leadership, and enterprise. The streets of Addis Ababa became a living canvas, painting a vivid picture of what happens when young people unite around a common purpose.
The march set the tone for the 2026 Annual Participants Convening, a gathering designed to foster deep learning and experience sharing among participants from across the continent. As the young women and men walked together, they carried with them not just banners and chants, but the hopes and dreams of millions of marginalised youth across Africa.
The symbolic walk represented the journey that countless young people have undertaken—a journey from exclusion to inclusion, from marginalisation to empowerment, and from limited opportunities to transformative education pathways. Each step taken along the CMC route echoed the resilience of young people who refuse to be defined by the barriers they face.
As participants convened at the Addis Ababa International Convention Center following the march, the stage was set for meaningful dialogue and collective action. The convening brought together young leaders, education stakeholders, and advocates committed to advancing gender equality and youth empowerment across the continent.
FAWE Ethiopia’s hosting of this event demonstrated the chapter’s leadership in advancing the FAWE-Mastercard Foundation partnership. The Phase II Program, being implemented across 10 countries, aims to support 10,550 young people from the most marginalised communities to transition into tertiary education and dignified employment.
FAWE Africa watched this momentum with immense pride. The energy, commitment, and determination displayed by the participants represented the very best of what the organisation stands for—a steadfast commitment to ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background, can access quality education and build a brighter future.
As the convening unfolded, participants engaged in rich discussions, shared experiences, and developed strategies for strengthening their impact. The conversations that took place would shape the next chapter of the journey toward gender equality and youth empowerment across Africa.
The walk, the convening, and the shared commitment represented more than just an event—they symbolised a movement. A movement of young people who are ready to lead, to transform, and to build a more equitable and prosperous Africa.