At M-PESA Africa (MPA), we believe in growth that is not only fast-paced but also deeply meaningful and multidimensional. Our approach to nurturing talent is centered around preparing individuals to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy while also equipping them with the skills and mindset to make a lasting impact. The Accelerate 360 Internship Program is an embodiment of this philosophy—designed to provide forward momentum (that’s the accelerate) and holistic exposure (that’s the 360) to help you unlock your full potential.
This internship is not a routine corporate training experience—it is a launchpad for those who are eager to immerse themselves in dynamic projects, solve real-world problems, and build a future within the thriving tech and fintech landscapes of Africa. It is a chance to gain not just a job experience, but a transformative journey that touches every aspect of your development: technical proficiency, professional maturity, and personal growth.
What Makes Accelerate 360 Unique?
The Accelerate 360 Internship Program is specifically structured to ensure that you hit the ground running from the very first day. Interns are paired with high-performing teams that are actively working on critical and exciting challenges across the continent. Whether it’s designing a user interface for millions of African users, building resilient service operations systems, or navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance in fintech, you’ll be contributing meaningfully from the get-go.
1. Real Work, Real Impact
Interns will be immersed in real projects—not simulations or mock tasks. You’ll find yourself contributing to product development cycles, assisting in policy evaluations, drafting legal frameworks, or coordinating with cross-functional teams across geographies. These experiences allow you to not only apply theoretical knowledge but also understand how your efforts create measurable value for M-PESA Africa’s mission to enable financial inclusion and digital transformation.
2. Structured Learning and Growth Moments
The internship isn’t just about doing; it’s also about learning. Throughout the program, you’ll have access to structured learning opportunities that help you refine both your technical and soft skills. Whether it’s attending workshops led by industry veterans, joining interactive learning labs, or receiving regular mentorship, our focus is on building your confidence and strengthening your expertise in a supportive environment.
3. Exposure to Diverse Career Paths
The fintech and tech industries are vast, with countless roles and career tracks available. As part of this program, you’ll gain visibility into various functions—from project management to legal affairs, from data analysis to human resources. This 360-degree exposure is meant to help you identify your strengths, discover new interests, and begin to shape a clear career path for yourself.
4. Pan-African Collaboration
MPA is a pan-African organization, and our projects and teams reflect the diversity and dynamism of the continent. During the internship, you will collaborate with colleagues and leaders from different African countries, gaining exposure to varied business cultures, user needs, and market contexts. This continental experience will enrich your perspective and give you insights into the broader ecosystem that M-PESA Africa operates in.
5. Talent Pool and Alumni Community
Once you’ve successfully completed the internship, you become part of our exclusive Accelerator Alumni Community. This network provides continued access to learning resources, industry updates, and job opportunities. Additionally, you become part of our talent pool, meaning you’ll be considered for future roles that align with your skills and interests.
Departments and Roles Offering Internship Opportunities
The Accelerate 360 Internship Program is not limited to one type of skillset or discipline. We are looking for bright, driven individuals across a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. Here’s a closer look at some of the departments you can join:
1. Project Administration
In this role, interns will be introduced to the fundamentals of project lifecycle management. You’ll work alongside project leads, learning how to coordinate tasks, maintain project documentation, and prepare comprehensive reports. This is a great fit for individuals interested in project coordination, business analysis, or operations management.
2. UI/UX Design
If you have a passion for design and user experience, this is your chance to get hands-on with one of the continent’s leading digital products—One App. You will be involved in user research, feature design, prototyping, and usability testing. You’ll also understand how UI/UX integrates with larger product development teams, making your work more impactful and user-centered.
3. Risk and Compliance
For those drawn to structure, policy, and governance, this department offers a deep dive into how fintech companies like MPA manage risk and uphold regulatory standards. Interns will explore data privacy practices, fraud prevention frameworks, and the strategic implementation of compliance protocols.
4. Strategy and Partnerships
Interns in this unit will work on shaping MPA’s growth trajectory through strategic planning, market intelligence, and competitive analysis. You’ll learn how partnerships are evaluated, modeled, and executed, and you’ll gain skills in business modeling, forecasting, and stakeholder engagement.
5. Legal and Regulatory Affairs
Legal interns will gain exposure to corporate law in action. You’ll be involved in contract negotiations, drafting legal documents, and using tools like Smart D contract management systems. Moreover, you’ll assist with issues related to intellectual property, legal compliance, and regulatory frameworks across multiple jurisdictions.
6. Service Operations – Observability Engineering
This is a technical, data-intensive role that involves service monitoring, incident analysis, and process optimization. Interns will use frameworks like ITIL and COBIT and apply data science techniques to derive insights from service logs, helping to ensure system reliability and performance.
7. Value Management Office
As part of this team, interns will work on creating real-time data reporting dashboards used across organizational tiers. You’ll engage with teams to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and utility of the data that drives key decisions.
8. Supply Chain Management – Operations
This role introduces interns to end-to-end supply chain operations. You’ll contribute to improving governance and compliance within the supply chain and develop strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
9. Human Resources
Interns will rotate through various HR functions, including talent acquisition, employer branding, learning and development, business partnering, and employee engagement. This is a comprehensive introduction to how HR enables and empowers organizational success.
Key Program Details and Benefits
Duration and Location
The Accelerate 360 Internship Program is a 6-month full-time opportunity, based in Kenya. Interns will be hosted at the Safaricom Care Centre, Waiyaki Way, Westlands, Nairobi. This location is at the heart of innovation and collaboration for M-PESA Africa and provides an inspiring environment to work and grow.
Eligibility and Candidate Profile
We are looking for recent graduates from all academic backgrounds. Whether your degree is in engineering, finance, law, design, business, or the humanities, what matters most is your curiosity, commitment, and capacity to learn quickly. We value diversity in thought, experience, and background, as we believe this is the cornerstone of innovation.
What You’ll Receive
- Monthly stipend to support your living expenses during the internship.
- Learning and Development access, including tailored courses and professional coaching.
- Leadership engagement through mentorship and networking sessions with MPA leaders.
- CSR involvement through dedicated community impact projects aligned with MPA’s mission.
- Post-program support through our alumni network and ongoing learning platforms.
The Application and Selection Process
Joining the Accelerate 360 program involves a comprehensive but rewarding selection process. We’re committed to ensuring a fair and enriching experience for all applicants. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Application Review
Once you submit your application, our team will assess your qualifications and alignment with the program. We look for more than just academic excellence—we’re interested in potential, initiative, and a growth mindset.
2. Technical Assessments
Depending on your area of interest, you may be invited to complete a short technical test. This could involve coding challenges, analytical tasks, or case-based questions that demonstrate your problem-solving ability.
3. Video Interviews
Candidates who pass the assessments will participate in virtual interviews. These are designed to get to know you better—your motivations, your aspirations, and how you think through challenges.
4. In-Person Group Interviews
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a final group interview session. This stage focuses on teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills as you work through simulated real-life scenarios with fellow candidates.
5. Confirmation
Successful candidates will receive their internship offer and begin onboarding in preparation for their immersive journey with M-PESA Africa.
Why Choose M-PESA Africa and Accelerate 360?
Choosing where to begin your career is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make. With M-PESA Africa, you’re not just choosing a company—you’re choosing a mission, a movement, and a future that matters.
- You’ll grow faster by being challenged every day.
- You’ll learn continuously through practical work and intentional development.
- You’ll connect deeply with peers, mentors, and leaders across Africa.
- You’ll contribute meaningfully to the digital and financial empowerment of millions.
And when the internship ends, you’ll leave with more than experience—you’ll leave with skills, direction, and a network that will continue to support your journey long after the program.
Ready to Accelerate Your Career?
If you’re enthusiastic about technology, passionate about impact, and ready to dive into one of Africa’s most vibrant fintech environments, then the Accelerate 360 Internship Program is the right place to start.
Key Information Recap
- Job Identification: 726
- Category: Internship
- Posting Date: 22nd May 2025
- Application Deadline: 26th May 2025, 7:30 PM EAT
- Location: Safaricom Care Centre, Waiyaki Way, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya
- Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree
- Schedule: Full Time
