MASAF Development Organization Joins Africa Career Networks (ACN) as Affiliate Partner for Ethiopia

Strengthening Career Pathways for Scholars, Alumni, and Young Professionals Across Ethiopia

MASAF Development Organization (MDO) is proud to announce its official partnership with Africa Career Networks (ACN) as an Affiliate Partner for Ethiopia, marking an important milestone in our commitment to empowering young people with the skills, networks, and opportunities needed to thrive in today’s evolving world of work.

As part of this partnership, MASAF participated in the ACN Affiliate Onboarding Retreat held from 24–28 June at the African Leadership Academy Campus in Johannesburg, South Africa, bringing together affiliate organizations from across the continent to strengthen collaboration, share best practices, and build a stronger ecosystem for youth employment and career advancement.

Expanding Opportunities Through a “Network of Networks”
Africa Career Networks operates through a unique “network of networks” approach, connecting universities, scholarship programs, employers, entrepreneurship ecosystems, and youth-serving organizations across Africa. By joining this network, MASAF gains access to a continental platform dedicated to supporting young people as they transition from education to meaningful and dignified employment.

Through the partnership, MASAF will work closely with ACN to:
• Connect scholars, graduates, and young professionals to career opportunities across Africa.
• Facilitate internships, work placements, and professional development opportunities.
• Strengthen career readiness and employability skills among youth.
• Support networking and mentorship opportunities for emerging professionals.
• Build stronger linkages between employers, educational institutions, and young talent.
• Contribute local expertise and contextual knowledge from Ethiopia to a broader African ecosystem.

Advancing MASAF’s Youth Empowerment Mission
For years, MASAF Development Organization has been dedicated to supporting youth and women through skills development, entrepreneurship support, innovation programs, digital literacy initiatives, and workforce readiness interventions. This partnership with ACN further strengthens MASAF’s role as a trusted local institution helping young people navigate the journey from learning to earning.

The collaboration aligns closely with MASAF’s growing portfolio of youth-focused programs, including career development initiatives, entrepreneurship pathways, leadership development, and employment readiness support. By leveraging ACN’s continental network and MASAF’s grassroots presence, the partnership will create new opportunities for scholars, alumni, and aspiring professionals across Ethiopia.

A Shared Vision for Africa’s Future Workforce
Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, presenting immense opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and social transformation. However, many young people continue to face challenges in accessing quality employment, professional networks, and career guidance.

Through this partnership, MASAF and ACN are committed to addressing these challenges by building stronger bridges between education, skills development, and the labor market. Together, we aim to equip young Africans with the connections, competencies, and confidence needed to pursue meaningful careers and contribute to sustainable development.

Looking Ahead
As an ACN Affiliate Partner for Ethiopia, MASAF looks forward to expanding access to career opportunities, strengthening youth employment ecosystems, and fostering collaborations that create lasting impact for young people.

We are excited to embark on this journey alongside Africa Career Networks and our fellow partners across the continent as we work together to build a future where every young African has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Together, we are creating stronger pathways from education to dignified work.

About MASAF Development Organization (MDO)
MASAF Development Organization is a youth-led nonprofit organization working across Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa to promote economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, innovation, skills development, digital inclusion, and resilient livelihoods for young people, women, displaced communities, and other underserved populations.

About Africa Career Networks (ACN)

Africa Career Networks (ACN) is a continent-wide network dedicated to supporting young Africans in their transition from education to employment through partnerships, career development initiatives, employer engagement, mentorship, and ecosystem-building approaches that connect talent with opportunity across Africa.