The Mastercard Foundation is inviting applications for the 2025 edition of the “Speak Your Mind” Challenge, a creative competition for Scholars and Alumni of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Winners will receive full sponsorship to participate in the prestigious Baobab Summit, taking place from 17–19 October 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya.
About the Challenge
With the theme “Baobab Rising: Nurturing the Future Through Africa’s Youth,” the 2025 Speak Your Mind Challenge encourages passionate young changemakers to creatively explore how they are contributing to Africa’s future. Submissions may take the form of a speech, song, spoken word, poem, multimedia, blog, or essay.
Selected participants will join the Summit as live performers, bloggers, social media reporters, debaters, multimedia artists, or Masters of Ceremony (MCs).
Who Can Apply
This opportunity is open exclusively to:
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Mastercard Foundation Scholars
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Mastercard Foundation Alumni
Applicants must also have an active Baobab Platform account to apply.
Previous winners are not eligible, in order to create space for new voices.
Submission Format & Roles
Participants may apply to be considered for one or more of the following roles:
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Live Performers: Submit an original speech, poem, song, or creative performance.
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Blogger/Storyteller: Submit a written story or essay. Selected bloggers may have their work published by the Foundation.
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Social Media Roving Reporter: Submit a written story or essay and share previous samples of your writing or social media work.
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Master of Ceremonies (MC): Submit an audition video and 2–3 ideas on how you would engage the Summit audience.
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Multimedia Conference Artist: Share examples of original work and submit a creative proposal for an interactive, art-based Summit activity.
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Debaters: Choose one debate topic and submit your argument in written or video form. Topics include:
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Is AI a Force for Good or Bad in Society?
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Is Pursuing a Master’s Degree Immediately After Undergraduate Studies Worth It?
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Which Region Has the Best Food: East Africa or West Africa?
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Entries must be original and no longer than 5 minutes (video/audio) or 750 words (written).
Evaluation Criteria
Finalists will be selected based on:
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Creativity
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Relevance to the theme
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Use of specific examples
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Authenticity of voice
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Grammar and sentence structure
An international panel, including the Mastercard Foundation Youth Advisory Board, will review all submissions.
Benefits
Winners will receive:
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A fully sponsored trip to Nairobi, Kenya for the Baobab Summit (airfare, accommodation, and meals covered)
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A chance to present or perform live at the Summit
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Exposure to a pan-African network of changemakers
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Mentorship and learning opportunities from Foundation staff and partners
Important Dates
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Deadline to apply: 30 June 2025 at 8:00am GMT
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Summit Dates: 17–19 October 2025
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Location: Nairobi, Kenya
How to Apply
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Prepare Your Submission: Create your entry based on your chosen role.
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Include Your Name in the Filename. If your file is over 100MB, upload it via this Dropbox link.
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Complete the Application Form: Submit your entry through the official form.
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Need Help? Email support@baobabplatform.org.
Note: While AI tools may assist with ideation, submissions must reflect your personal story and authentic voice.
For more opportunities like this, visit opportunitiesforyouth.org.
