The Mastercard Foundation Associates Program helps young Africans move from university into meaningful work. Associates get 12-month paid work placements with employers across Africa, plus mentorship and employability training, to build leadership, job and entrepreneurship skills.
How it works: there's no single deadline. Roles are posted in rounds through regional recruitment partners. Register with the partner for your region now, so you're ready when the next call opens.
A 12-month paid placement with an employer in Africa, or a remote role
Hands-on work experience in your field
Mentorship and employability training
Support from Talent Corps, a network of Mastercard Foundation alumni who offer career guidance
Young people aged 18 to 35 living in Africa
Recent graduates, with 0 to 2 years of work experience
Alumni of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and other Foundation programmes
Refugees and internally displaced people are welcome
The programme prioritises young women, people with disabilities, and refugees and displaced youth.
Each region may have extra requirements. For example, in South Africa applicants must be aged 18 to 34, unemployed and hold at least a diploma or first degree.
Apply through the partner that covers where you live:
| Region | Recruitment partner |
|---|---|
| Anglophone West Africa (including Nigeria and Ghana) | Jobberman |
| East Africa | Shortlist |
| Southern Africa | YES (Youth Employment Service) |
| Francophone Africa | Talent2Africa |
| Remote roles | Talenteum |
The programme is coordinated by LEAP Africa, whose website lists the current links for each region.
Find your regional partner in the table above.
Create a profile on the partner's platform and complete it fully.
Watch for Mastercard Foundation Associates roles, and apply only for roles in your country of residence or remote roles.
Keep your profile active and check regularly. New roles appear during each call.
Prepare a strong one-page CV now, so you can apply quickly when roles appear.
Follow the Mastercard Foundation Transitions Community on LinkedIn for application tips and announcements.
Beware of fake recruiters. The programme never asks for payment. Apply only through the official partners listed on the Mastercard Foundation and LEAP Africa websites.
Need help with your CV? Book a CV review.
Applications are submitted on the official website, and they are free. Check the current deadline and eligibility there before you start.
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