Pretoria, South Africa - 11 December 2013
The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of a strong and effective public sector in advancing sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. To this end, on December 11, 2013, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the creation of the African Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarships Fund, in memory of Nelson Mandela, and support of up to $5 million over five years (2013/14-2018/19), through the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD). The MasterCard Foundation, which supports activities in Africa's education sector, has partnered with the Government of Canada and will match its contribution.
Canada's African Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarships Fund, in memory of Nelson Mandela, will provide high quality training and expose future leaders of the public sector to Canadian best practices in governance, public policy, innovation and administration in areas such as fiscal and economic management, international trade and the business regulatory environment. It is also an opportunity to further strengthen ties between Canada and Africa. Alumni of these scholarships will return to their countries and communities, better prepared to take on challenges.
The Scholarships Fund will provide graduate academic opportunities to early career professionals working in the public sector. The merit-based program will consider candidates from across Africa for study in Canada for one to two years, with special consideration given to female students to encourage the advancement of women leaders in Africa.
Candidates will be selected to pursue studies in Canada in French or English at the master's degree level or equivalent in the areas of public policy and public administration. They will be selected based on criteria that include, but are not limited to, their undergraduate degree, relevant work experience, and the case made by the applicant for the proposed program of study. Candidates will be required to present their case for their area of study and demonstrate that they will contribute to shaping Africa's future through public service.
The Scholarships Fund will be administered and implemented by a Canadian organization, which will be selected in the coming months through a competitive selection process. Details of the program will also be defined in the coming months.
The MasterCard Foundation is an independent, global organization based in Toronto. Through collaboration with partner organizations in 46 countries, it is creating opportunities for all people to learn and prosper. The Foundation's programs promote financial inclusion and advance youth learning, mostly in Africa.
Students from Africa are also eligible for other graduate-level scholarships offered by the Government of Canada, including the Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program, the Banting Postdoctoral Scholarships and the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships.
Nelson Mandela passed away in Johannesburg, South Africa on December 5, 2013, at the age of 95.
