Applications are invited from suitable and qualified candidates for Mastercard Foundation Associates Program 2026: 12-Month Paid Internships Across Africa for Young Graduates.
About Mastercard Foundation
The Mastercard Foundation, established in 2006 through Mastercard’s IPO and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, is one of the world’s largest private foundations with a strong focus on advancing education and financial inclusion for underserved communities, particularly in Africa. Its flagship initiative, Young Africa Works, aims to enable 30 million young Africans, especially women, to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030. The foundation partners with governments, NGOs, academic institutions, and the private sector to expand access to quality education, support entrepreneurship, and promote inclusive finance, with the overarching goal of creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper.
Summary
- Company: Mastercard Foundation
- Job Title: Mastercard Foundation Associates Program – 12-Month Paid Internship (Ongoing Opportunities)
- Job Type: Full Time
- Qualification: BA/BSc/HND
- Location: Nigeria, West Africa, South Africa, etc…
- Start Date: Rolling placements throughout the year
Job Title: Mastercard Foundation Associates Program – 12-Month Paid Internship (Ongoing Opportunities)
Job Summary
Mastercard Foundation (in partnership with Youth Employment Service, Shortlist Futures, Talent2Africa, Talentum, Light for the World, LifeHikes, Leap Africa, KPMG, Coburwas International and others)
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About the Program
- The Mastercard Foundation Associates Program connects talented young people with meaningful 12-month internships across Africa. Through partnerships with leading organizations and the Foundation’s own partner network, Associates gain real-world experience while building leadership, employability, and entrepreneurship skills essential for successful careers after graduation.
- Since 2023, more than 1,000 young people in 22 countries have participated, including a strong focus on young women, persons with disabilities, refugees, and internally displaced persons.
See Also:
Requirements for Mastercard Foundation Associates Program 2026: 12-Month Paid Internships Across Africa for Young Graduates
Who Should Apply
- Recent graduates with 0–2 years of work experience
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumni
- Alumni of other Mastercard Foundation programs
- Young Africans aged 18–35 seeking their first meaningful early-career opportunity
Our Commitment to Inclusion
The program strongly encourages applications from young women, persons with disabilities, refugees, and internally displaced persons.
Click Here To See More Wonderful Offers.
What Associates Receive
- Full 12-month internship placement with a partner organization
- Hands-on professional work experience
- Structured training in leadership, employability, and entrepreneurship
- Dedicated mentorship and access to professional networks
- Monthly stipend for the entire duration
- Career transition support at the end of the internship
Program Journey
- Recruitment & Selection
- Placement in Internship Roles
- Transition Pathways & Career Support
How to Apply
Apply only for roles in your country of residence or for remote positions. Roles are posted on an ongoing basis.
Application Links by Region
- South Africa → Apply through Yes for Youth [South Africa application link]
- Anglophone West Africa → Apply through Jobberman [Anglophone West Africa application link]
- Francophone Africa → Apply through Talent2Africa [Francophone Africa application link]
- East Africa → Apply through Shortlist Futures [East African roles application link]
- Remote Roles → Apply through Talentum [Remote roles application link]
Application Deadline
Rolling / Ongoing – apply as soon as suitable roles are posted in your region.
This is an excellent opportunity for early-career talent to gain paid professional experience while contributing to impactful work across Africa.
Ready to apply?
Choose your region from the links above and submit your application today!
Method of Application
(See tips on how to write a professional CV and a sample cover letter.)
Important: See Helpful Career Resources
