Daniel Hailu is the Executive Director of Pan-African Programs at
the Mastercard Foundation, a position which he has held since 2023. Previously, he has held the position of Executive Director, Country Programs and Regional Head Eastern and Southern Africa for the Mastercard Foundation, where he oversaw the
strategic implementation and stakeholder engagement in the region. Daniel is passionate about the African continent and currently leads Pan-African work that is aimed at enabling young women and young men across Africa to thrive in and shape entrepreneurial African economies and societies that are equitable, resilient, and sustainable.

The Mastercard Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the world. Its vision is a world where everyone hasthe opportunity to learn and prosper.
For the past decade, the Mastercard Foundation has worked with partners in 34 African countries to advance financial inclusion, education, and livelihoods for people living in poverty. Since 2006, the Mastercard Foundation’s programs have reached more than 39 million people. Over the next decade, its new strategy, Young Africa Works, will enable 30 million young people, especially young women, to secure dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.

Daniel is an accomplished global executive with extensive leadership experience in both public and private sectors. He has held key roles across various industries, beginning his career as a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Air Force, followed by significant leadership positions in multinational corporations. Daniel has successfully led teams in diverse regions, including the U.S., Kenya, and Ethiopia, focusing on business development, localization, sustainability, and organizational transformation.

Originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Daniel pursued his education in the U.S., earning a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland and an MBA from Oklahoma City University.