By 2050, Africa will be home to the majority of the world’s student-age population. The next generation of African graduates and researchers will play a crucial role in shaping not only the future of the continent but also contributing to global progress.

As part of this vision, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is supporting talented African students at the University of Oxford through the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx). The program provides fully funded scholarships for a one-year taught postgraduate course, along with leadership development, entrepreneurial guidance, and networking opportunities. Scholars are empowered with lifelong support before, during, and after their time at Oxford, fostering a strong community of alumni dedicated to tackling Africa’s challenges and advancing opportunities across various sectors.

Fidelity Ndali: Advancing Global Health Research

One of the exceptional Mastercard Foundation Scholars this year is Fidelity Ndali from Zimbabwe. He is currently pursuing an MSc in Modelling for Global Health at the Nuffield Department of Medicine and is a member of Kellogg College. With a background in Applied Mathematics and Economics, in which he graduated with First Class Honours from the University of Zimbabwe, he is particularly interested in the intersection of mathematical and economic modelling to support public health decision-making in low and middle-income countries. His focus is on using these tools to improve responses to infectious diseases.

Following the completion of his MSc, Fidelity aims to collaborate with international organizations and NGOs on research projects in global health. His long-term goal is to pursue a PhD and use complex modelling techniques to translate data-driven insights into effective health policies, particularly benefiting the African region.