Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ALU

29/07/2026

From Stipend to Scale, Placide Mugenga’s Journey of Entrepreneurial Impact

Growing up in the bustling streets of Kigali, Rwanda, Placide Mugenga witnessed brilliant young minds sidelined by unemployment. Driven by the belief that business should be about dignity, agency, and empowerment, he set out on a clear mission: to create sustainable job opportunities through entrepreneurship while solving real community challenges.

As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the African Leadership University (ALU) pursuing a BA (Honours) in International Business and Trade, Placide embraced the belief that young Africans must build solutions for Africa. Instead of waiting for large capital or perfect conditions, he started small by saving consistent portions of his student scholarship stipend. That modest saving allowed him to open a small snacks and grocery shop, which became the seed for KBL Ltd, a venture that quickly transformed into a full-service catering, events, and procurement business.

Balancing rigorous academics with the operational pressures of growing a company wasn't easy. Navigating limited capital, client payment delays, and school deadlines tested his resolve, but Placide leaned into resilience and strategic time management. Through the ALU Student Ventures Program, he expanded his footprint by launching ROOMIE Africa and KBL Caterings, serving key clients such as ALU, ALX, EarthMates, and beyond, while employing full-time and casual workers across Kigali.

Looking ahead, Placide plans to scale KBL Ltd into a multi-sector enterprise, expanding further into cross-border agricultural trade to directly address food supply and unemployment challenges. As Placide reflects: "ALU shaped me into a builder who creates real solutions for my community." His journey from saving a student stipend to creating jobs embodies the power of starting small, thinking big, and building boldly for Africa's future.

27/07/2026

Building Economic Dignity from Displacement to Development

Born in South Kordofan, Sudan, a region long scarred by conflict, Almarat Arnu Ngutulu was forced to flee to Kenya as a refugee at just four years old. Growing up between two worlds, he watched his community struggle with limited infrastructure, high illiteracy, and a near-total absence of formal financial systems. Sending money home to family in conflict zones was virtually impossible through traditional banks. This frustration planted a deep seed within him: education and enterprise could be powerful tools, not just for survival, but for true transformation.

Driven by a mission to unlock financial access for marginalized communities, Almarat bootstrapped $8,000 to launch Nas Financials. Built on grit and determination, his venture now employs 10 people and has been accepted into the prestigious Amahoro Fellowship, securing $155,000 in funding ($35,000 grant and $120,000 non-interest loan) to scale its impact across borders.

Beyond Nas Financials, Almarat is spearheading the Nuba Economic Transformation Project, a flagship initiative uniting local communities, businesses, government institutions, and international partners to build an inclusive economic ecosystem for over 3 million people in South Kordofan. His vision is a thriving Africa where young people build dignified futures at home rather than feeling forced to leave.

As an African Leadership University (ALU) graduate and Mastercard Foundation Scholar, Almarat credits ALU’s "Do Hard Things" philosophy with giving him the courage to act. Following his undergraduate degree, his commitment to lifelong impact led him to pursue a Master’s in Leadership and Management at Arizona State University.

As Almarat powerfully reflects: "Africa needs more problem solvers, not just job seekers. Building is hard, but it’s rewarding. I’m doing hard things. And I won’t stop." Today, he continues to embody refugee resilience turned into regional renewal, building economic dignity one transaction, one job, and one community at a time.

26/07/2026

From Resilience to Purpose, Jacqueline Tuyisenge’s Tech Journey

Growing up in a single-parent home in Kigali, Rwanda, Jacqueline Tuyisenge learned early on that education wasn’t just an opportunity, it was survival. Witnessing financial hardships firsthand sparked a deep passion within her to ensure other young women wouldn't have to give up on their dreams due to circumstances beyond their control.

Supported by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the African Leadership University (ALU), Jacqueline pursued a BSc in Software Engineering, graduating with top honors and an incredible 4.38/5 GPA. During her time at ALU, she discovered that true engineering isn't just about writing code; it's about designing sustainable solutions to real human problems. Alongside her degree, she sharpened her technical skills through rigorous programs like ALX and ATLP.

Beyond her academic excellence, Jacqueline’s leadership spans globally and locally. She has represented Rwanda at international leadership forums across Germany, India, and Ghana with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). As a true entrepreneur and leader, she also manages a retail business to support her family while actively mentoring the next generation of young women stepping into tech.

As Jacqueline puts it: "Technology should be a bridge to equity, leadership, and long-term societal change." Today, she is carrying this vision forward by building inclusive digital ecosystems that connect education, mentorship, and skills development for girls in low-resource communities across Africa.

25/07/2026

From Displacement to Leadership, Elvis Uwimana’s Journey of Educational Justice

Growing up in a refugee setting, Elvis Uwimana experienced firsthand how displacement creates invisible walls around education and hope. But instead of letting circumstances define his future, Elvis turned his lived experience into a lifelong mission, which is expanding access to education for refugees and marginalized youth.

Driven by ALU’s philosophy of empowering students as leaders from day one, and supported by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Elvis transitioned from surviving limitations to designing systems of opportunity.

He Co-Founded Light4Refugee, an initiative creating pathways to higher education, confidence, and skills training for displaced youth and has contributed to research on how educational technology can bridge learning gaps in Rwanda.

"I became aware that education was not just a personal goal, but a powerful pathway to dignity and transformation." Elvis Uwimana

Elvis's story is a powerful reminder that lived experiences are not obstacles, they are the foundation for transformative leadership.

24/07/2026

From Refugee to Educational Entrepreneur: Abraham Aruai Thel Deng’s Story

From herding goats in South Sudan to receiving the ALU President’s Leadership Award as a refugee scholar, Abraham Aruai Thel Deng’s journey is proof of what happens when purpose meets opportunity.

After fleeing conflict to Uganda’s Ayilo refugee settlement, 12-year-old Abraham started teaching displaced children, discovering early on that education is not just a privilege, but a vital lifeline.

At the African Leadership University (ALU), Abraham embraced the missions before majors philosophy. Leveraging his ALU experience and support from the Mastercard Foundation, he turned his passion into real-world action.

Abraham co-founded Silicon High School, an institution that now equips 120 refugee youth with formal education and tech-driven entrepreneurship skills. They also managed to securing $25,000 in funding through the Scale Up Lab Demo Day to build critical school infrastructure.

Abraham became the first refugee student to receive ALU’s President’s Leadership Award.

"ALU gave me courage to transform displacement into opportunity by building solutions for my community." Abraham Deng

By 2030, Abraham aims to train thousands of young tech job creators across Africa, turning displacement into opportunity.

04/05/2026

Big dreams. Bold ambitions. Real stories.

Hear directly from our Mastercard Foundation Scholars as they reflect on the journey they’re about to embark on and the opportunities that lie ahead.

The future is shaped by those willing to step into it.

30/04/2026

The journey of impact begins with community.

Orientation brought together our newest Mastercard Foundation Scholars for a moment of connection, learning, and inspiration, laying the foundation for a journey that will shape leaders and changemakers for tomorrow.

Big dreams start here.

25/02/2026

22/09/2025

A new journey begins at ALU! The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Orientation welcomes young leaders from across Africa to a space where ideas and ambition meet. This is the moment where scholars step into a community that will challenge them, support them, and help them grow into the leaders they aspire to be.

Orientation is about building connections, discovering opportunities, and laying the foundation for an unforgettable academic and leadership journey. Scholars explore ALU’s culture, meet mentors, and start forming bonds that will last far beyond the classroom.

As these future leaders embark on this chapter, they carry with them courage, curiosity, and the drive to make an impact. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program isn’t just about education; it’s about empowering a generation to lead, inspire, and transform Africa.