CALL FOR APPLICATION
Youth Leadership Program 2026–2027
Are you a passionate and driven young leader looking to make a difference in your community?
Join the movement! Jacaranda Hub, in collaboration with Digital Opportunity Trust, and the Mastercard Foundation is proud to announce that applications are now open for the Youth Leadership Program 2026–2027. Part of the Going Beyond Project, this transformative initiative aims to equip young graduates with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to drive social change and foster entrepreneurship in their communities.
Why Join the Youth Leadership Program?
As a participant in the Youth Leadership Program, you will be equipped with digital skills and social impact acumen, to enhance your ability to influence and contribute to socio-economic development within your community. This program aims to boost your agency and open up new work opportunities, while also building your capacity to implement the Digital Business Program locally.
During the program you will undergo 3 weeks of extensive training to prepare you for your role as a program facilitator, coach, and changemaker. After training you will be deployed back to your community for 6 months with a mission to empower your peers and local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) owners, 70% women, with essential skills for business growth. This includes soft skills, basic business skills, practical digital skills, and self-confidence.
By joining the Youth Leadership Program, you will:
About the Going Beyond Project
The Going Beyond – Partnering for a Youth-Led Future project is a partnership between DOT and the Mastercard Foundation that aims to scale DOT's evidence-based, peer-to-peer model and will be executed in four African countries – Côte d'Ivoire, Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania. Over five years, and with the support of DOT regional hubs in Africa, the Going Beyond project will progressively transfer the responsibility for delivering DOT's programs and equip youth as leaders of the future.
Eligibility
- Ages 18–35
- Must be Zambian nationals or a legal resident of the country.
- Applicants must be recent university or college graduates from accredited institutions with a certificate, diploma, or bachelor's degree. Please note, certificates from credible Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs in relevant subjects may be accepted.
- To qualify as a recent graduate, you must be within 6 months and five years of graduation.
- Applicants must be current residents of Kabwe, Kapiri Mposhi, Chisamba, Mumbwa or Shibuyunji.
- Applicants must be fully available for the duration of eight (8) months for training and placement period: May–December 2026.
- Have access to a basic smartphone or laptop and possess basic computer skills.
- Able to communicate fluently, both orally and in writing, in the local language.
- Demonstrated leadership and passion for community development and entrepreneurship.
- Applicants should have a history of or passion for community engagement activities.
- No employment experience required.
- Applicants should be unemployed or underemployed (underemployment = working part-time or in a job not fully utilizing your skill set).
- Commitment to participate fully in the program.
Deployment requirements: Following their selection, Youth Leaders will participate in program activities within their own communities. Jacaranda Hub is committed to supporting local leadership development and does not require relocation.
Timeline for Recruitment, Selection and Deployment
20th March 2026
Call for Applications
6th April 2026
Deadline for Application
14th April 2026
Announcement of Finalists
18–29th May 2026
Induction and Training of Trainers
2–5th June 2026
Contracting and Official Deployment
5th June 2026
Placement Start Date
December 2026
Placement End Date
Empowering communities through peer-to-peer mentorship
Support Measures
- Non-graduates, those still in academic training and currently on full-time or part-time employment will not be considered.
- Going Beyond is committed to ensuring the meaningful inclusion of young women, and other marginalized groups of young people, including youth with disabilities, young people from rural areas and/or living in poverty, and displaced young people. Young women, and other youth from these marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply for this opportunity.
- Going Beyond is committed to supporting youth leaders to manage their child care responsibilities, and will be providing on-site childcare for participants that have a demonstrated need.
Join a vibrant network of 5,000+ young leaders across Africa
How to Apply
Prepare the following before you start filling out the application form:
- 1Your CV/resume in PDF format.
- 2A scanned copy of your higher education certificate in PDF or Image format.
- 3A cover letter in PDF format.
Click the link and fill the form with all required details.
APPLYSelection Process
Selection will include the following stages:
Youth will be selected to attend the one week in person training in Kabwe by 18th May 2026.
Youth will be selected to proceed to the contracting and deployment to their communities.
Youth Leaders to receive career development training and support from Jacaranda Hub and associated local and international partners.
In order to ensure this is a fair and accessible selection process, please connect with us should you require any accommodations throughout the process (e.g. interview, information sessions).
Got some questions?
If you can't find your answers, contact [email protected]
Safeguarding and Code of Conduct Information
We Jacaranda Hub and our partners are a safe and inclusive community and this opportunity is completely free. If you have been asked to pay or provide anything outside of what has been communicated here, or encounter any other incidents related to your lack of safety during this process please contact us at [email protected]
