Mastercard Foundation Backs New EdTech Fellowship to Transform Learning in Uganda
Hive Colab has announced the official launch of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Uganda, marking the beginning of a three-year initiative aimed at strengthening the ......
Black News 
Hive Colab has announced the official launch of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Uganda, marking the beginning of a three-year initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s education technology ecosystem. The programme will be formally unveiled on April 30, 2026, at Mestil Hotel & Residences, where 12 inaugural EdTech ventures selected for the 2026 cohort will also be introduced following an embargo lift at 11:30 AM EAT.
The fellowship, implemented in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is designed to support locally led, growth-stage EdTech ventures through structured acceleration, mentorship, and ecosystem collaboration. It also emphasises evidence-based learning, aiming to drive inclusive and scalable digital education solutions across Uganda.
A key highlight of the event will be the release of Hive Colab’s Baseline Study and EdTech Ecosystem Insights Report, described as the first comprehensive diagnostic of Uganda’s EdTech landscape. The report is expected to provide critical data on the state of digital learning innovation and establish a national benchmark for future development.
The initiative comes at a crucial time for Uganda, where a youthful population—over 73% under the age of 30—and youth unemployment exceeding 17% underscore the importance of accessible and high-quality education. While the country’s EdTech sector is expanding rapidly, with a majority of ventures launched in recent years, it continues to face challenges such as limited funding and fragmentation.
Through the fellowship, the selected ventures will receive non-dilutive grant funding, mentorship, market access support, and integration of learning science principles. The programme aims to empower solutions that cater to underserved groups, including girls, learners with disabilities, refugees, and rural youth.
The launch event will bring together key stakeholders from government, development organisations, academia, and the innovation ecosystem. Notable speakers include Barbara Mutabazi, Executive Director of Hive Colab, alongside representatives from the Mastercard Foundation and Uganda’s Ministry of Education. The event will also feature panel discussions on innovation, national development, and strengthening collaboration within the EdTech ecosystem.
Overall, the fellowship represents a significant step toward building a more inclusive, coordinated, and impactful EdTech sector in Uganda, with the potential to improve education outcomes and support long-term economic growth.
.png)
