Published: 24 Mar 2026 1,394 views
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 Mastercard Foundation is an international non-governmental organization established by Mastercard in 2006. The organization, which is based in Toronto, Ontario, has supported work in 49 countries.In 2018, Mastercard Foundation shifted to a specific focus on Africa, through its Young Africa Works strategy. The foundation develops programs primarily focused on reducing gender and economic inequality, expanding access to quality education, increasing the opportunities for decent work, and supporting overall economic growth.Funding is primaril... continue reading

| Application Deadline | Not Specified |
| Type | Training |
| Sponsor | MasterCard Foundation |
| Gender | Men and Women |
To be eligible, applicants must meet 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
Work Authorization: Possess a valid work permit allowing them to work in their country of residence (if different from their country of citizenship)
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).
National Service Requirement: Have completed the country’s mandatory national service, where applicable.
Applications from Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Refugees and Displaced Persons (RDPs)
Birth Certificate
NYSC Certificate or Exemption Letter
Evidence of participation in any Mastercard Foundation program
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Check also:
Commonwealth Master's Scholarship to Study in UK 2027/2028
Wageningen University Masters Scholarship to Study in Netherlands 2027/2028