The Mastercard Foundation Associates Program is now open for applications from young Africans looking to gain valuable work experience and build strong career skills.
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The programme connects talented young people with paid internship opportunities across Africa. It is designed to help participants develop leadership, employability, and entrepreneurship skills after graduation while preparing them for meaningful and fulfilling careers.
About the Programme
The Mastercard Foundation Associates Program offers 12-month internship placements through partnerships with external organisations and Mastercard Foundation partner institutions across Africa.
The programme supports graduates by providing practical workplace experience and professional development opportunities that can help them succeed in today’s job market.
Participants will work with organisations in different sectors while gaining exposure to real-life projects, mentorship, and career support.
What Participants Will Gain
Selected participants will benefit from:
• A 12-month paid internship placement
• Hands-on work experience
• Leadership, employability, and entrepreneurship training
• Mentorship and access to professional networks
• Monthly stipend throughout the internship period
• Career transition support after the programme
The programme journey includes recruitment and selection, placement in internship roles, and transition pathways for future career opportunities.
Who Can Apply
The programme is open to:
• Recent graduates with 0–2 years of work experience
• Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni
• Alumni of Mastercard Foundation programmes
• Young Africans between the ages of 18 and 35 seeking meaningful early-career experience
Applicants from different African countries are encouraged to apply.
The Foundation also encourages applicants to join the Mastercard Foundation Transitions Community on LinkedIn to access career tips, guidance, and professional support during the application process.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply online through the official Mastercard Foundation Associates Program portal.
Applications can be submitted directly through country-specific application links depending on the applicant’s country of residence. Interested candidates may also apply for remote internship roles where available.
According to the Foundation, internship opportunities will continue to be posted on an ongoing basis, giving applicants the chance to apply for available positions throughout the programme period.
Application portal: https://mastercardfdn.org/en/what-we-do/our-programs/mastercard-foundation-associates-program/
