CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Alongside the World Economic Forum in Africa, a panel of experts will explore how investments in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education will drive Africa's development forward and why the lack of such investment is perilous to the continent's future. Experts will debate the urgency of investing in STEM education, an area of focus on which Africa's future depends.

The MasterCard Foundation and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) will also discuss details of their new $25 million partnership to educate talented young people from economically disadvantaged communities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in Africa.

When: Thursday, June 4, 2015 - 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Breakfast will be served. 

Where: The One and Only Hotel, Dock Road, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa 

Speakers: Her Excellency Naledi Pandor, Minister of Science and Technology, South Africa; Thierry Zomahoun, President and CEO of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS); Phillip Clay, former Chancellor of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and member of The MasterCard Foundation Board of Directors; and Dr. Tolu Oni, a 2015/16 Next Einstein Forum Fellow.

Why: In the last decade, Africa has experienced unprecedented economic growth and some of the continent's industries - retailing, manufacturing, banking, telecommunications, construction and private investment - are booming. But as Africa undergoes unprecedented transformation and growth, challenges such as the impacts of climate change on economic sectors like agriculture, the spread of disease and the inequitable division of wealth remain. To meet these challenges and to ensure Africa's continued growth, the continent needs well-trained engineers, scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs, which makes investments in and access to quality STEM education an urgent imperative.  

The discussion is open to the media and will be moderated by Alan Kasujja of the BBC World Service Newsday radio program. Spaces are limited and journalists are encouraged to register at ibourgeault-tasse@mastercardfdn.org. Journalists and the public can also follow the conversation through Twitter (#MCFScholars). Thierry Zomahoun, Phillip Clay and Dr. Tolu Oni are available for media interviews.

About The MasterCard Foundation 

The MasterCard Foundation works with visionary organizations to provide greater access to education, skills training and financial services for people living in poverty, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa. As one of the largest, private foundations, its work is guided by its mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion to create an inclusive and equitable world. Based in Toronto, Canada, its independence was established by MasterCard Worldwide when the Foundation was created in 2006. For more information on the Foundation, please visit: http://www.mastercardfdn.org. Follow us on Twitter (@MCFoundation, #MCFScholars), Facebook and LinkedIn.

About The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program  

The Scholars Program provides academically talented, yet financially disadvantaged young people, particularly from Africa, with access to quality and relevant secondary and university education. Students selected for the Program receive financial, social and academic support throughout their education and during their post-graduate transitions. The Program consists of a global network of education institutions and non-profit organizations, who together believe that education is a catalyst for social and economic betterment. The Program aims to educate 15,000 young people, and enable them to contribute to the economic growth and social development in their countries of origin. For more details, please visit http://www.mastercardfdnscholars.org.

About AIMS and the Next Einstein Initiative 

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is a pan-African network of centres of excellence for post graduate education, research and outreach in mathematical sciences. Its mission is to enable Africa's brightest students to flourish as independent thinkers, problem solvers and innovators capable of propelling Africa's future scientific, educational and economic self-sufficiency. AIMS was founded in 2003 and has produced over 700 graduates, about one third of whom are women. The goal of the Next Einstein Initiative is to build 15 centres of excellence across Africa by 2021. Follow us on Twitter (@AIMS_Next) and Facebook.

SOURCE The MasterCard Foundation and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)