Mastercard Foundation
A Pan-African Design Odyssey
Office Interior Design & Fit-Out Across Seven Countries
Project Narrative
A Pan-African Design Odyssey.
The Mastercard Foundation Pan-African Office Program is a landmark design journey spanning Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda.
With each country representing a distinct cultural language, the challenge was to craft a unified workplace identity that still feels deeply rooted in local heritage.
Our engagement began with the development of a Workplace Standards Playbook—a comprehensive manual that defines the Foundation’s global expectations for safety, sustainability, accessibility, spatial planning, and operational excellence. This playbook became the backbone of the project, ensuring consistency while allowing each office to celebrate its own story
Completed offices in Nigeria, Ghana, and Rwanda now demonstrate the full expression of this vision, while the Senegal, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda offices are in advanced stages of fit-out. Each space integrates local craftsmanship, art, materials, and cultural references to inspire belonging and emotional resonance among staff.
The result is more than a series of workplaces—it is a continental narrative, a design odyssey that bridges global functionality with regional identity. These spaces reflect the Foundation’s commitment to Africa’s future: vibrant, diverse, and interconnected.
Design Approach
African roots, culture and design
1. A Cohesive Pan-African Identity
A design language built on Mastercard Foundation’s values: youth empowerment, community, learning, and transformation.
2. Rooted in Local Culture
From textiles and patterns to locally sourced finishes, each office carries its region’s artistic DNA.
3. Workplace Standards Playbook
A master guide detailing ergonomics, space typologies, sustainability benchmarks, and operational workflows across all countries.
4. Human-Centered Wellness
Biophilic integration, acoustic comfort, intuitive circulation, and soft collaborative zones support productivity and wellbeing.
5. Sustainable Fit-Out
Emphasis on local materials, energy-efficient systems, and environmentally responsible construction methodologies.
Sustainability & Performance
Project Impact.
- Strengthened sense of belonging through culturally meaningful spaces
- Improved workplace functionality aligned with global best practices
- Sustainable material use and locally sourced craftsmanship
- Enhanced team connection across regions via consistent design standards
- Scalable design system for future Foundation expansions across Africa
Follow through
Looking Ahead
Following the success of this multi-country program, our team is preparing for site visits across six African countries for a major regional financial institution—further anchoring our role as one of Africa’s leading cross-continental design firms.
We extend our gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation team and our partners across all seven countries. Their collaboration and trust continue to fuel our commitment to creating culturally rich, people-centered spaces across Africa.
