About Mastercard Foundation Associates Program 2026

Applications are open for the Mastercard Foundation Associates Program 2026, a paid 12-month graduate work placement designed for eligible young Africans in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia.

The programme provides recent graduates and early-career applicants with structured workplace experience while supporting their professional development and transition into meaningful and dignified work.

Participants receive practical work experience alongside employability training, mentorship, leadership development, entrepreneurship support, and professional exposure.

The 2026 Cohort 2 recruitment is being implemented by the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with Jobberman for eligible applicants residing in the participating countries.

Associates are matched with host organisations based on available vacancies, their skills, career interests, and country of residence.

About Mastercard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation is an independent, Africa-focused foundation that works with partners and institutions to expand access to education, skills development, dignified work, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion for young people.

Its programmes support pathways from education into employment and entrepreneurship, with particular attention to young women, persons with disabilities, refugees, and displaced persons.

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The Foundation delivers its programmes through partnerships with employers, educational institutions, implementing organisations, and other partners.

About the Associates Program

The Mastercard Foundation Associates Program supports young Africans who are transitioning from education into meaningful and dignified employment.

During the 12-month placement, Associates work with a host organisation while receiving additional support focused on employability, professional development, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

Host organisations provide day-to-day supervision, meaningful work assignments, mentorship, professional-development support, and performance feedback throughout the placement.

The specific host organisation, job function, placement location, and work arrangement will depend on available vacancies and the applicant’s country of residence.

More than 1,000 Associates across 22 countries have participated in the programme since 2023.

Programme Details

Programme: Mastercard Foundation Associates Program – 2026 Cohort 2

Duration: 12 months

Type: Paid graduate work placement

Participating Countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia

Application Period: 21 September 2026 to 21 October 2026

Application Administrator: Jobberman Nigeria Limited

Requirements

Applicants should be recent graduates of a tertiary education institution who are looking for opportunities to gain professional work experience.

The programme is open to individuals who are unemployed or underemployed and have between zero and two years of work experience.

Applicants must reside in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, or The Gambia.

Applicants should have completed their country’s mandatory national service, where applicable, or hold an official exemption document.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumni and alumni of other Mastercard Foundation-supported programmes are strongly encouraged to apply.

The programme also encourages applications from young women, persons with disabilities, refugees, and displaced persons.

Benefits

Selected Associates will receive a paid 12-month work placement with a host organisation and gain practical experience in a professional work environment.

Participants will also receive employability and workplace-readiness training designed to strengthen their professional skills.

The programme provides leadership-development support, entrepreneurship and enrichment activities, structured mentorship, and professional exposure.

Associates will receive day-to-day supervision and performance feedback from their host organisation throughout the placement.

Reasonable accommodations and tailored support mechanisms may also be provided where required to support equitable participation.

Documents Required

Applicants should prepare a valid government-issued identification document showing their date of birth.

A national-service certificate or official exemption document should also be provided where applicable.

Applicants should have an up-to-date curriculum vitae ready for submission.

Evidence of participation in a Mastercard Foundation programme may also be submitted where applicable.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified applicants should complete the online application form before the stated deadline.

Applicants should provide accurate information and upload the required supporting documents during the application process.

Application Deadline: 21 October 2026

Location: Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia

Job Type: Paid 12-month graduate work placement

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

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