Can you share a little about your background and where you’re from?
I am Josephine Nabwami from Uganda. I completed my undergraduate degree in Commerce at Cairo University in Egypt, majoring in Insurance, Statistics, and Risk Management. My professional experience lies in business and risk management, with a particular focus on agricultural insurance and venture incubation, across Africa and the MENA region. Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE) at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where I integrate my interests in agriculture, business, risk management, and sustainable development in the food and resource sectors. I have worked with startups, supported impact investment initiatives, and collaborated with diverse stakeholders to drive innovation and financial inclusion. I’m excited to continue building on this foundation through my studies and new connections here in Canada.
What motivated you to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC? Did someone or something inspire you?
I was drawn to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC because of its commitment to nurturing African leadership through education that drives real-world impact. With a background in business and social innovation, I saw this as the ideal opportunity to strengthen my skills, expand my network, and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development across the continent.
How has the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program shaped your educational journey so far?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has provided me with invaluable financial support, access to a strong network of peers and mentors, and opportunities to develop leadership skills.
What challenges did you face in your education before being accepted into the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC?
Before joining the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC, I faced several challenges, including limited access to quality educational resources and financial constraints that made pursuing advanced studies difficult. Balancing work and academics was also demanding, but these experiences motivated me to seek out opportunities like the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to support both my academic and professional growth.
How did you first hear about this opportunity? What was the application process like?
I first heard about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program online. After learning more about the incredible opportunities it offers, I was inspired to apply. The application process was thorough but straightforward, and I was thrilled to be accepted.
How has the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program impacted your academic and personal growth?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has allowed me to fully focus on my studies without worrying about finances, which has made a huge difference. Beyond that, being part of such a supportive community of Mastercard Foundation Scholars and mentors has helped me grow in confidence and opened my eyes to new ideas and opportunities.
Have you faced any new challenges during your journey as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar? How have you handled them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar was arriving two months late into an extremely intense master’s program. Being the last Mastercard Foundation Scholar to join meant I had to quickly catch up on missed classes and assignments, while also building connections with classmates who had already settled in. It was overwhelming at first, but I managed by staying organized, seeking support from professors and peers, and dedicating extra putting in extra hours of study. This experience taught me resilience and how to adapt under pressure, and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made despite the difficult start.
What’s one personal or professional accomplishment you are particularly proud of?
Surviving the first semester of my master’s program is something I’m truly proud of. Another accomplishment that stands out is my work as a Community Engagement Officer, where I helped plan and execute an Impact Investment event hosted by the Ambassador of the Netherlands in Cairo. The event brought together key players from the startup ecosystem across Africa and the MENA region to discuss innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities. Being part of such a high-level gathering taught me how to manage logistics, engage diverse stakeholders, and contribute to meaningful conversations shaping the future of impact-driven business in the region.
How has the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program shaped your career goals? What do you hope to achieve?
I hope to work at the intersection of agriculture, finance, and policy, building systems that support smallholder farmers, promote sustainable practices, and drive inclusive economic growth, particularly in Africa. My long-term goal is to contribute to shaping policies and programs that make food systems more resilient and equitable.
How do you plan to give back to your community after completing your studies?
After completing my studies, I plan to give back by applying the skills and knowledge I’ve gained to support sustainable development in African agriculture. I aim to work directly with communities, particularly smallholder farmers, to improve access to financial tools such as insurance and investment that can help them grow and manage risk. I also hope to mentor young people who are passionate about development and help create opportunities for them, just as the Mastercard Foundation has done for me.
What advice would you give to students applying to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
My advice to students applying to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is to believe in the value of your story. Be honest, clear, and passionate about your goals, what drives you, what challenges you’ve overcome, and how the opportunity will help you create meaningful impact. Take the time to research the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and tailor your application to reflect its values. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether it’s feedback on your essays or guidance from mentors. Most importantly, don’t doubt yourself. You’re more capable than you think.
Looking back, what has been the most rewarding part of this journey?
Honestly, the most rewarding part of this journey has been realizing that I truly belong here. Arriving late, feeling behind, and unsure at first, I’ve grown so much through the support, challenges, and small wins along the way. Connecting with other passionate Mastercard Foundation Scholars, pushing through intense moments, and finding my voice in this new environment has made me feel stronger and more confident in what I’m capable of. That sense that I can face difficult and still thrive is something I’ll carry with me always.
Can you share a memorable moment from your Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program experience?
Support systems are often underrated, but one person’s kindness and effort can make all the difference and turn overwhelming challenges into something manageable. I’ll never forget Seth, one of my fellow Mastercard Foundation Scholars, who helped me catch up when I was behind. I remember those late nights studying unfamiliar materials, and he was there every step of the way, walking me through everything I had missed. His support made a significant difference and helped me feel far less overwhelmed.
If you could sum up your journey as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar in one sentence, what would it be?
“A journey of overcoming setbacks, embracing challenges, and discovering my strength through hard work and community support.”
Extra Curricular Engagement
Attending ICSE 2025 in Ottawa, one of the world’s most respected conferences in software engineering, was both a proud professional milestone and a powerful reminder of why inclusive innovation matters, and why voices from the Global South must be part of global conversations about technology.
This year marked the 50th anniversary of the International Conference on Software Engineering, and for the first time ever, the conference introduced the Symposium on Software Engineering in the Global South (SEiGS). It was a historic moment, creating space for researchers from low-resource settings to share their work, voice their challenges, and present their vision for the future. I had the opportunity to attend these sessions and witness Ugandan researchers showcase solutions deeply rooted in local realities, addressing real problems with limited resources and remarkable ingenuity.
One of the keynote speakers reflected on how innovation often advances without including Africa. Decisions are made, technologies are developed, and systems are built as though our realities do not exist. It was a powerful call to action: Africa must not only be impacted by innovation, but also play a central role in shaping it..
As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar pursuing my Master’s in Food and Resource Economics at UBC, I was inspired to see how software and data systems are being used to drive social impact across sectors like agriculture, education, and health, areas that are central to economic transformation in Africa. My program places a strong emphasis on data analytics, and attending this conference helped me better understand how data tools are being applied to solve real-world problems at scale, particularly in communities like mine.
I am incredibly grateful to the Mastercard Foundation for believing in young African talent and for supporting journeys like mine. This experience left me with a deep sense of possibility. Being in those rooms, hearing those stories, and connecting with leaders from around the world showed me that there is space for us and that the work we are doing matters.
This experience reaffirmed that our perspectives belong at the global table, and that the work we are doing is laying the groundwork for lasting change our efforts are laying the foundation for lasting, transformative change.