Mastercard Foundation Associates Program 2026: 12-Month Career Opportunity for Young Graduates in 5 African Countries
Overview
The Mastercard Foundation Associates Program is a 12-month professional development and placement opportunity for young graduates. This intake is advertised for applicants in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia. It is not an academic scholarship. Instead, it focuses on workplace experience, helping young people move from education into work through paid placements, employability training and mentorship. The Foundation says more than 1,000 Associates across 22 countries have taken part so far.
Who can apply
Applicants should be between 18 and 35 years old, be recent graduates of a tertiary institution, and have 0 to 2 years of work experience. They must be interested in practical professional experience and available for the full 12 months. Alumni of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program are encouraged to apply. The programme also emphasises inclusion, including young women, persons with disabilities, refugees and internally displaced persons.
Individual placements may carry extra requirements depending on the role, employer, location or implementing partner, so applicants should read the specific vacancy for their country.
What you get
Associates are placed with participating employers and implementing organisations, matched according to available roles, skills and career interests. The programme offers a 12-month work placement, professional development in leadership, employability and entrepreneurship, mentorship and networking, and a stipend for the duration of the placement. It also aims to support the move towards longer-term employment. Employers are expected to provide meaningful assignments, supervision and mentorship.
How to apply
Vacancies are posted by location and delivered through regional and partner organisations, so candidates should use the official programme or designated partner channel for their country. Applicants should apply only for roles available in their country of residence or roles advertised as remote. Before submitting, they should review the eligibility rules, role description, required documents and any country-specific instructions.
Key dates
Applications for this intake open on 21 September 2026 and close on 21 October 2026.
Links in this posting
- The Mastercard Foundation says the programme provides 12-month paid work placements alongside employability training and mentorship. Its broader objective is to support young people’s transition into dignified and fulfilling work. (Mastercard Foundation)
- Since its launch, more than 1,000 Associates across 22 countries have participated in the programme, according to the Foundation. (Mastercard Foundation)
- APPLY HERE