{"id":61833,"date":"2025-09-05T05:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T05:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opportunitiesforyouth.org\/?p=61833"},"modified":"2025-09-05T05:30:00","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T05:30:00","slug":"mastercard-foundation-2026-internship-program-paid-opportunities-for-young-professionals-in-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/?p=61833","title":{"rendered":"Mastercard Foundation 2026 Internship Program \u2013 Paid Opportunities for Young Professionals in Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"164\" data-end=\"576\">Are you a young professional eager to launch your career in international development, social impact, or business innovation? The <strong data-start=\"294\" data-end=\"343\">Mastercard Foundation 2026 Internship Program<\/strong> offers an incredible <strong data-start=\"365\" data-end=\"405\">11-month, full-time, paid internship<\/strong> designed to equip ambitious youth with the skills, mentorship, and real-world experience needed to transition successfully into meaningful employment or entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"578\" data-end=\"670\">Applications are currently open \u2014 but hurry, the <strong data-start=\"627\" data-end=\"669\">deadline to apply is September 7, 2025<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"677\" data-end=\"730\">About the Mastercard Foundation Internship Program<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"732\" data-end=\"1089\">The Mastercard Foundation is one of the largest foundations in the world, committed to advancing education, financial inclusion, and employment opportunities across Africa. Through its <strong data-start=\"917\" data-end=\"948\">Young Africa Works strategy<\/strong>, the Foundation aims to enable <strong data-start=\"980\" data-end=\"1088\">30 million young people in Africa\u2014especially young women\u2014to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1091\" data-end=\"1462\">The <strong data-start=\"1095\" data-end=\"1122\">2026 Internship Program<\/strong> provides young Africans with limited or no professional experience the chance to gain hands-on exposure to international development, program management, and social impact initiatives. Interns will work closely with Foundation teams to support projects, operations, and partnerships that drive youth employment and economic transformation.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1469\" data-end=\"1482\">Why Apply?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1484\" data-end=\"1663\">This is not just an internship\u2014it\u2019s a stepping stone toward a future career in social impact and sustainable development. As a Mastercard Foundation Intern, you will benefit from:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1665\" data-end=\"2167\">\n<li data-start=\"1665\" data-end=\"1755\">\n<p data-start=\"1667\" data-end=\"1755\"><strong data-start=\"1667\" data-end=\"1705\">Meaningful professional experience<\/strong> working on real projects that make a difference<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1756\" data-end=\"1832\">\n<p data-start=\"1758\" data-end=\"1832\"><strong data-start=\"1758\" data-end=\"1785\">Mentorship and coaching<\/strong> from experienced professionals across Africa<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1833\" data-end=\"1903\">\n<p data-start=\"1835\" data-end=\"1903\"><strong data-start=\"1835\" data-end=\"1901\">Access to career development programs and e-learning platforms<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1904\" data-end=\"1978\">\n<p data-start=\"1906\" data-end=\"1978\"><strong data-start=\"1906\" data-end=\"1976\">Participation in training, workshops, and networking opportunities<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1979\" data-end=\"2084\">\n<p data-start=\"1981\" data-end=\"2084\"><strong data-start=\"1981\" data-end=\"2082\">Collaboration with top African institutions, private sector partners, and government stakeholders<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2085\" data-end=\"2167\">\n<p data-start=\"2087\" data-end=\"2167\"><strong data-start=\"2087\" data-end=\"2165\">Enhanced readiness for future employment or entrepreneurship opportunities<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"2174\" data-end=\"2197\">Internship Structure<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"2199\" data-end=\"2495\">\n<li data-start=\"2199\" data-end=\"2243\">\n<p data-start=\"2201\" data-end=\"2243\"><strong data-start=\"2201\" data-end=\"2213\">Duration<\/strong>: 11 months (non-extendable)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2244\" data-end=\"2267\">\n<p data-start=\"2246\" data-end=\"2267\"><strong data-start=\"2246\" data-end=\"2254\">Type<\/strong>: Full-time<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2268\" data-end=\"2307\">\n<p data-start=\"2270\" data-end=\"2307\"><strong data-start=\"2270\" data-end=\"2284\">Start Date<\/strong>: <strong data-start=\"2286\" data-end=\"2305\">15 January 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2308\" data-end=\"2371\">\n<p data-start=\"2310\" data-end=\"2371\"><strong data-start=\"2310\" data-end=\"2334\">Application Deadline<\/strong>: <strong data-start=\"2336\" data-end=\"2369\">7 September 2025 at 00:59 EAT<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2372\" data-end=\"2495\">\n<p data-start=\"2374\" data-end=\"2495\"><strong data-start=\"2374\" data-end=\"2387\">Locations<\/strong>: Mastercard Foundation Africa Offices in <strong data-start=\"2429\" data-end=\"2493\">Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and Uganda<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"2502\" data-end=\"2519\">Who Can Apply?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2521\" data-end=\"2632\">To be eligible for the <strong data-start=\"2544\" data-end=\"2593\">Mastercard Foundation 2026 Internship Program<\/strong>, you must meet the following criteria:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2634\" data-end=\"3343\">\n<li data-start=\"2634\" data-end=\"2774\">\n<p data-start=\"2636\" data-end=\"2774\">Be eligible to work in one of the seven participating African countries: <strong data-start=\"2709\" data-end=\"2772\">Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, or Uganda<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2775\" data-end=\"2849\">\n<p data-start=\"2777\" data-end=\"2849\">Be a <strong data-start=\"2782\" data-end=\"2801\">recent graduate<\/strong> with <strong data-start=\"2807\" data-end=\"2847\">0\u20134 years of professional experience<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2850\" data-end=\"2934\">\n<p data-start=\"2852\" data-end=\"2934\">Hold a <strong data-start=\"2859\" data-end=\"2880\">Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/strong> from a recognized institution in any relevant field<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2935\" data-end=\"3040\">\n<p data-start=\"2937\" data-end=\"3040\">Demonstrate a strong interest in <strong data-start=\"2970\" data-end=\"3038\">youth development, social impact, and inclusive growth in Africa<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3041\" data-end=\"3124\">\n<p data-start=\"3043\" data-end=\"3124\">Show <strong data-start=\"3048\" data-end=\"3122\">active involvement in community projects or extracurricular activities<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3125\" data-end=\"3195\">\n<p data-start=\"3127\" data-end=\"3195\">Be available for full-time work for the entire 11-month internship<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3196\" data-end=\"3343\">\n<p data-start=\"3198\" data-end=\"3343\">Mastercard Foundation <strong data-start=\"3220\" data-end=\"3238\">Scholar Alumni<\/strong> must not be currently enrolled in a program of study or participating in another Foundation initiative<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"3350\" data-end=\"3376\">Skills and Competencies<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3378\" data-end=\"3417\">The ideal candidate will demonstrate:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3419\" data-end=\"3794\">\n<li data-start=\"3419\" data-end=\"3478\">\n<p data-start=\"3421\" data-end=\"3478\">Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3479\" data-end=\"3532\">\n<p data-start=\"3481\" data-end=\"3532\">Excellent written and verbal communication skills<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3533\" data-end=\"3595\">\n<p data-start=\"3535\" data-end=\"3595\">Proficiency in <strong data-start=\"3550\" data-end=\"3593\">MS Office Suite and\/or Google Workspace<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3596\" data-end=\"3665\">\n<p data-start=\"3598\" data-end=\"3665\">Ability to thrive in multicultural and collaborative environments<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3666\" data-end=\"3738\">\n<p data-start=\"3668\" data-end=\"3738\">A passion for <strong data-start=\"3682\" data-end=\"3736\">innovation, learning, and driving change in Africa<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3739\" data-end=\"3794\">\n<p data-start=\"3741\" data-end=\"3794\">Strong organizational and time management abilities<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"3801\" data-end=\"3824\">Internship Functions<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3826\" data-end=\"3965\">Interns will be placed in different departments depending on their academic background and career interests. Available functions include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3967\" data-end=\"4770\">\n<li data-start=\"3967\" data-end=\"4040\">\n<p data-start=\"3969\" data-end=\"4040\"><strong data-start=\"3969\" data-end=\"3980\">Finance<\/strong> \u2013 Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4041\" data-end=\"4137\">\n<p data-start=\"4043\" data-end=\"4137\"><strong data-start=\"4043\" data-end=\"4055\">Programs<\/strong> \u2013 Development Studies, Social Sciences, Agriculture Economics, Entrepreneurship<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4138\" data-end=\"4273\">\n<p data-start=\"4140\" data-end=\"4273\"><strong data-start=\"4140\" data-end=\"4174\">Impact, Research, and Learning<\/strong> \u2013 Population Studies, Statistics, Business Statistics, Quantitative Economics, Actuarial Science<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4274\" data-end=\"4390\">\n<p data-start=\"4276\" data-end=\"4390\"><strong data-start=\"4276\" data-end=\"4313\">Public Affairs and Communications<\/strong> \u2013 Public Affairs, Journalism, Mass Communications, Social Media Management<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4391\" data-end=\"4468\">\n<p data-start=\"4393\" data-end=\"4468\"><strong data-start=\"4393\" data-end=\"4417\">Legal and Compliance<\/strong> \u2013 Law, International Relations, Criminal Justice<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4469\" data-end=\"4541\">\n<p data-start=\"4471\" data-end=\"4541\"><strong data-start=\"4471\" data-end=\"4492\">Office of the CEO<\/strong> \u2013 Strategic support and leadership initiatives<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4542\" data-end=\"4634\">\n<p data-start=\"4544\" data-end=\"4634\"><strong data-start=\"4544\" data-end=\"4564\">People &amp; Culture<\/strong> \u2013 Human resources, organizational development, and staff engagement<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4635\" data-end=\"4770\">\n<p data-start=\"4637\" data-end=\"4770\"><strong data-start=\"4637\" data-end=\"4683\">Digital, Data, Information, and Technology<\/strong> \u2013 Computer Science, IT, Cybersecurity, Data Analysis, Enterprise Application Systems<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For more information and to apply, visit the <strong data-start=\"5823\" data-end=\"5889\"><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/mastercardfoundation.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com\/en-US\/mastercardfdn\/details\/Mastercard-Foundation-2026-Internship--11-Months---Non-Extendable-_JR-0000000382\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"5825\" data-end=\"5887\">Mastercard Foundation website<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"4777\" data-end=\"4800\">Key Responsibilities<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4802\" data-end=\"4848\">As a Mastercard Foundation Intern, you will:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4850\" data-end=\"5324\">\n<li data-start=\"4850\" data-end=\"4936\">\n<p data-start=\"4852\" data-end=\"4936\">Support the <strong data-start=\"4864\" data-end=\"4906\">design, implementation, and monitoring<\/strong> of projects and initiatives<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4937\" data-end=\"5005\">\n<p data-start=\"4939\" data-end=\"5005\">Conduct <strong data-start=\"4947\" data-end=\"4977\">research and data analysis<\/strong> to inform decision-making<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5006\" data-end=\"5076\">\n<p data-start=\"5008\" data-end=\"5076\">Assist with <strong data-start=\"5020\" data-end=\"5074\">reporting, documentation, and knowledge management<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5077\" data-end=\"5162\">\n<p data-start=\"5079\" data-end=\"5162\">Engage with stakeholders through meetings, workshops, and collaborative platforms<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5163\" data-end=\"5250\">\n<p data-start=\"5165\" data-end=\"5250\">Provide <strong data-start=\"5173\" data-end=\"5214\">administrative and logistical support<\/strong> for events and partner convenings<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5251\" data-end=\"5324\">\n<p data-start=\"5253\" data-end=\"5324\">Contribute <strong data-start=\"5264\" data-end=\"5284\">innovative ideas<\/strong> to strengthen youth-centered programs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"5331\" data-end=\"5346\">How to Apply<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5348\" data-end=\"5495\">If you are ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable Africa, this is your opportunity.<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5497\" data-end=\"5776\">\n<li data-start=\"5497\" data-end=\"5560\">\n<p data-start=\"5499\" data-end=\"5560\"><strong data-start=\"5499\" data-end=\"5523\">Application Deadline<\/strong>: <strong data-start=\"5525\" data-end=\"5558\">7 September 2025 at 00:59 EAT<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5561\" data-end=\"5611\">\n<p data-start=\"5563\" data-end=\"5611\"><strong data-start=\"5563\" data-end=\"5588\">Internship Start Date<\/strong>: <strong data-start=\"5590\" data-end=\"5609\">15 January 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5612\" data-end=\"5660\">\n<p data-start=\"5614\" data-end=\"5660\"><strong data-start=\"5614\" data-end=\"5626\">Duration<\/strong>: <strong data-start=\"5628\" data-end=\"5658\">11 months (non-extendable)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5661\" data-end=\"5776\">\n<p data-start=\"5663\" data-end=\"5776\"><strong data-start=\"5663\" data-end=\"5675\">Location<\/strong>: Mastercard Foundation Offices in <strong data-start=\"5710\" data-end=\"5774\">Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and Uganda<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"5778\" data-end=\"5892\">For more information and to apply, visit the <strong data-start=\"5823\" data-end=\"5889\"><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/mastercardfoundation.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com\/en-US\/mastercardfdn\/details\/Mastercard-Foundation-2026-Internship--11-Months---Non-Extendable-_JR-0000000382\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"5825\" data-end=\"5887\">Mastercard Foundation website<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5899\" data-end=\"6153\">\u2705 Don\u2019t miss this chance to gain <strong data-start=\"5932\" data-end=\"5992\">hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional growth<\/strong> while contributing to Africa\u2019s development. Apply today and take the first step toward a meaningful career with the <strong data-start=\"6109\" data-end=\"6150\">Mastercard Foundation Internship 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you a young professional eager to launch your career in international development, social impact, or business innovation? The Mastercard Foundation 2026 Internship Program offers an incredible 11-month, full-time, paid internship designed to equip ambitious youth with the skills, mentorship, and real-world experience needed to transition successfully into meaningful employment or entrepreneurship. Applications are currently&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":61834,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22,39],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-61833","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"hentry","7":"category-africa","8":"category-jobs-internships","9":"article","10":"","12":"has-excerpt","13":"has-avatar","14":"has-author","15":"has-nickname","16":"has-date","17":"has-comment-count","18":"has-category-meta","19":"has-read-more","20":"has-title","21":"has-post-media","22":"thumbnail-","23":"has-tfm-share-icons"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61833","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=61833"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61833\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/61834"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=61833"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=61833"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=61833"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}