Mastercard Foundation Associates Program 2026: Paid Internship for Africans
What could 12 months of the right opportunity do for your career?
If you’re a recent graduate aged 18–35 with 0–2 years of work experience, this could be your next big step.
The Mastercard Foundation Associates Program, in partnership with @Jobberman, is now open to young people across Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.
As an Associate, you’ll gain professional experience, build valuable skills and take meaningful steps towards your career goals over 12 months.
In this post, the full details of the eligibility, benefits, timeline, and application procedure will be provided.
Mastercard Foundation Associates Program 2026 Abstract & Quick Facts
Host: Mastercard Foundation
Host Country: Africa || Nigeria || Kenya || Ghana
Category: Internships || Trainings
Benefits: Full Sponsorship• 12 Month Paid Internship• Hands on Experience• Training• Professional Development• Monthly Stipend
Eligibility: Students from 50+ African Countries
Deadline: October 21, 2026
Mastercard Foundation Associates Program 2026 Details
The Mastercard Foundation Associates Program connects young Africans, particularly recent graduates and Mastercard Foundation programme alumni, with 12-month paid work placements, employability and enrichment training, and structured mentorship.
The programme equips participants with practical experience, professional exposure, and workplace competencies that support their transition into dignified and fulfilling employment.
The programme is grounded in equity, diversity, and inclusion. The foundation strongly encourages applications from Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Refugees and Displaced Persons (RDPs).
Reasonable accommodations and tailored support mechanisms will be provided, where required, to ensure equitable access and full participation throughout the programme.
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Mastercard Foundation Associates Program Benefits
Associates of the Mastercard Foundation Associates Program 2026 will gain:
- 12‑month internship placement
- Leadership, employability, and entrepreneurship skill‑building
- Hands‑on work experience
- Mentorship and professional networks
- A stipend is provided for the duration of the internship.
- Career transition support
Mastercard Foundation Associates Program For Africans Requirements
To be considered for the 2026 Mastercard Foundation Associates Program For Africans, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: Be between 18 and 34 years old
- Education Requirement: Hold at least a diploma or first-degree qualification
- Employment Status: Be unemployed or underemployed
- Residency: Be a resident in an African country
- Alumni Status: Be an alum of a Mastercard Foundation-supported programme (e.g., Anzisha Prize, CorpsAfrica, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Skoll Emerging Leaders Initiative, Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Youth Think Tank, Zambezi Prize, or the Mastercard Foundation Associates Program)
- Young people across Africa seeking meaningful early‑career experience
- National Service Requirement: Have completed the country’s mandatory national service, where applicable.
Required Documents for Chevening Scholarship
While applying for the 2026 Mastercard Foundation Associates Program, you will be required to submit the following documents;
- Valid Government-Issued ID (Showing Date of Birth)
- NYSC Certificate or Exemption Letter
- Evidence of participation in any Mastercard Foundation program(If applicable)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
How To Apply for Mastercard Foundation Associates Program For Africans 2026
The step-by-step guide to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Associates Program is as follows;
- Visit the official application portal (Click the link below).
- Applicants may apply directly through the application links depending on their country of residence, or they can apply for remote roles.
- Submit your application by the deadline.
Application Deadline: October 21, 2026
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