Young people together
Unlock your potential.
Accelerate your leadership. Help transform the continent.
The Mastercard Foundation Associates Program (MFAP), delivered by Talent2Africa across Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa, is an excellence program designed to identify, train, and place a new generation of high-potential African talent. Through structured paid professional missions, personalized support, and targeted development, the program builds a direct bridge between young talent and organizations driving economic and social transformation.
MFAP is not a simple internship. It is a structuring experience that combines:
- High-impact professional immersion
- Accelerated technical and behavioral skill development
- Strategic mentorship
- Exposure to demanding, future-facing environments
Our ambition is clear: to surface leaders who can act, innovate, and build the Africa of tomorrow.
This program welcomes people with disabilities. We are committed to accessibility and inclusive participation.
About the program
A trajectory accelerator for the next generation
The Mastercard Foundation Associates Program supports a new generation of African young professionals — recent graduates and alumni of Foundation-backed initiatives — toward durable, high-impact employment. Designed as a trajectory accelerator, the program helps Associates gain concrete experience, strengthen strategic skills, and take a decisive step toward stable, meaningful work. With Talent2Africa's operational expertise, every Associate follows a structured, demanding path.
01
Placement
Placement within organizations of all sizes across Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa.
02
Professional integration
Guided integration with structured mentorship and continuous support.
03
Exposure
Exposure to real decision-making and performance environments.
04
Skills development
Leadership, collaboration, complex problem-solving, and adaptability.
Beyond a professional experience, the program aims to shape people who can take responsibility, influence their environment positively, and contribute to the continent's economic and social transformation.
The selection process
Rigorous, transparent, and fair
The process identifies the most promising African young talent by assessing potential, motivation, and fit with partner organizations. Only shortlisted candidates are contacted.
- 1
Online application
A complete file to assess academic background, experience, and career aspirations.
- 2
Eligibility check
Review of formal criteria against program standards.
- 3
Merit-based shortlist
In-depth assessment of qualifications, motivation, and profile relevance.
- 4
Assessments and structured interviews
Skills tests and interviews to evaluate potential, professional posture, and adaptability.
- 5
Final selection and matching
Joint decision leading to placement with a host organization.
Expected outcomes
An ambition at continental scale
Students enrolled
Placed with employers
African countries
Program integrity
Always free. Always official.
I.
Always free
No fees at any stage. Any payment request is unauthorized.
II.
Official channels only
Engagement happens exclusively via the Foundation or its accredited partners.
III.
KPMG verification
Every partner employer is verified and signs a formal agreement.
Accredited partners
LEAP Africa
General / Nigeria
Talent2Africa
Francophone Africa
YES4Youth
South Africa
Shortlist
East Africa
Jobberman
Anglophone West Africa
Talenteum
Remote placements
No fees are charged at any stage. Any payment request is fraudulent.
Report any suspicious communication to associateprogram@mastercardfdn.org or mfap@talent2africa.com
Employers may voluntarily co-finance placements. These arrangements are optional, transparent, and managed only by accredited partners.
Employer space
A strategic partnership with Talent2Africa
By hosting an Associate, your organization joins a dynamic of performance, impact, and transformation.
You are not only hiring a young professional — you integrate a trained, supported profile ready to contribute to your strategic priorities.
- High-potential young professionals, rigorously selected
- Structured matching aligned with your operational needs
- Continuous support: follow-up, mentorship, and Talent2Africa coordination
- Contribution to human capital in Francophone Africa and a stronger employer brand
How it works for you
- 1If you need motivated, pre-trained professionals with 0–2 years of experience, this is for you.
- 2By joining the employer network, you host an Associate for 12 months; Mastercard Foundation covers part of the salary.
- 3You provide real experience. We provide the talent and support part of the cost.
What you gain
- Strengthen team capacity with minimal salary costs
- Access pre-trained, motivated young professionals
- Contribute to talent development across Africa
- Support workforce diversity, inclusion, and sustainability
- Identify long-term hires with reduced hiring risk
Employer selection criteria
- Legally registered company
- Operating for at least 3 years
- Entry-level roles (0–2 years of experience)
- Benefits for Associates (stipend co-funding, other benefits, PWD/IDP support, or full-time transition)
- Structured workplace reporting and adequate supervision
- Necessary work tools (laptops, safety equipment, etc.)
Invitation-only access
Partner employer access is by invitation. Contact us if you wish to join the program.
Go to Academy4AfricaTalent space
What you gain
Joining MFAP means accessing a structuring professional experience designed to accelerate your trajectory.
A 12-month paid professional placement
Within organizations of all sizes
Concrete immersion
In demanding environments that build skills and ownership
Structured mentorship and targeted training
To strengthen technical expertise and leadership
Employability-focused support
To consolidate your professional positioning and prepare your next step
Beyond an opportunity, it is a strategic springboard. You do not only build skills — you build an impact trajectory.
Eligibility criteria
The program is for motivated, high-potential young Africans ready to contribute to Francophone Africa's development.
- Age
- 18 to 34 years
- Education
- Minimum diploma or first university degree
- Employment status
- Unemployed or underemployed
- Work permit
- Valid permit if the work country differs from citizenship
- Residence
- Resident of a Francophone Sub-Saharan country
- National service
- Must have completed mandatory national service where applicable
Alumni of a Mastercard Foundation–supported program (e.g. Anzisha Prize, CorpsAfrica, Scholars Program, Skoll Emerging Leaders, YALI, Youth Think Tank, Zambezi Prize, Associates Program). Candidates who do not meet this criterion cannot proceed.
Human connection
The power of human connection
Learning does not happen in isolation. It happens through conversation, guidance, and shared knowledge.
Mentorship that matters
Every participant is matched with an experienced professional who understands the African context and is committed to developing the next generation of leaders.
- 1
Career guidance
Navigate your path with insights from those who walked it before.
- 2
Skills development
Industry-specific skills through practical coaching.
- 3
Network building
Connect with professionals across industries.
Weekly training
Expert-led skills development
SparkCon events
Connect with your cohort
One-on-one sessions
Personalized career guidance
Team projects
Real-world collaboration
Talent Corps
Meet the Talent Corps
Community mobilizers who identify alumni, support applications, provide mentorship, and ensure protection throughout the program.
01
Alumni identification
Connect with program graduates and local success stories.
02
Application support
Guide candidates through the process and answer questions.
03
Ongoing mentorship
Peer support and guidance throughout the 12-month placement.
04
Community building
Foster networking and lasting professional connections.
Protection & values
A framework of trust
The program rests on principles that guarantee a respectful, ethical, and secure environment for every participant.
- Equal opportunity and non-discrimination
- Safe and inclusive professional environments
- Rigorous ethics and transparent governance
- Strict personal data protection
These commitments structure the entire program, from selection to placement. Our ambition: a space where every talent can grow with integrity and confidence.
Submit a confidential reportFrequently asked questions
Our community
Join thousands of young professionals
building Africa's future together
Build the future of African talent.
Whether you are an employer seeking exceptional talent, a young professional ready to launch your career, or an ecosystem partner — there is a place for you.
Who can apply?
A selective excellence program
Of 6,000 enrolled students, only 1,800 are selected for placements based on merit, engagement, and potential. This competitive process delivers exceptional value for employers and talent.
Access to training
Full professional skills training, CV development, interview techniques, and workplace readiness through PREP2SOAR.
Access to opportunities
Placement in quality employers with real work experience, personalized mentorship, and continuous development over 12 months.
Access to support
Individual mentorship, peer learning communities, and ongoing Talent Corps coordinator support.