2026 Mastercard Foundation Associates Program

The Mastercard Foundation Associates Program offers 12-month paid internships in Africa for talented young individuals, focusing on leadership development, employability skills, and entrepreneurship. The program partners with organizations to provide practical work experience and mentorship, aiming to bridge the gap between education and meaningful employment. It supports diverse groups, including young women, persons with disabilities, and refugees, across 22 countries since 2023.

What it offers

• 12-month paid work placements across Africa.
• Employability training and mentorship to prepare Associates for careers.
• Practical experience through partnerships with external organizations.
• Support for leadership, employability, and entrepreneurship skills post-graduation.

Who can apply

Applicants must be young Africans (no explicit age or nationality requirement stated beyond geographic focus). The program emphasizes inclusivity for young women, persons with disabilities, refugees, and internally displaced persons.

What you'll do

Associates will engage in paid work placements, gain employability training, and receive mentorship to develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills. The program is designed to help young people transition from education to dignified and fulfilling work.

How to apply

The application process is not explicitly detailed in the provided text; interested candidates should refer to the official program website for specifics.

Good to know

• The program is 12 months long and paid.
• It operates through partnerships with external organizations and Foundation partner organizations.
• Focus areas include refugees, disability inclusion, education transitions, and more.
• Over 1,000 Associates have participated since 2023 in 22 countries.