Applications 2026-2027

Youth Leadership
Program

Join the movement! mHub, in partnership with Digital Opportunity Trust and the Mastercard Foundation, invites passionate young leaders to apply.

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Going Beyond mHub
About the Program

Are you a passionate and driven young leader looking to make a difference in your community?

Join the movement! mHub, 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 including soft skills, basic business skills, practical digital skills, and self-confidence.

Receive Comprehensive Training

Enhance your leadership, digital, and entrepreneurial skills through detailed training modules. You will also receive career development training and employment linkages throughout the program.

Become a Coach and Changemaker

Serve as a role model and coach to your peers, fostering a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in your community.

Empower Your Community

Help local MSMEs grow by sharing essential business skills and practical digital tools.

Join the DOTYouth Community

Become part of a vibrant network of over 5,000 young leaders across Africa, with access to local and international opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Who Can Apply

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

  • Ages 18-35.
  • Must be Malawi nationals or legal residents 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 Machinga, Lilongwe and Dowa.
  • Applicants must be fully available for the duration of eight (8) months for training and placement period: From May 2026 to 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. [mHub] is committed to supporting local leadership development and does not require relocation.

Important Notice

Applicants must be Malawi nationals or legal residents and current residents of Machinga, Lilongwe, or Dowa. Candidates must have graduated within the last 6 months to 5 years, with certificate, diploma, or bachelor's degree (TVET credentials in relevant subjects may be accepted).

You must be available for the full 8-month training & placement period (May–December 2026), be unemployed/underemployed, and committed to local community deployment. The program actively encourages applications from young women and marginalized youth, including persons with disabilities and rural youth.

Support for Applicants

Support Measures

We are committed to inclusion and helping you succeed through the application process.

  • Non-graduates, those still in academic training, and applicants in current full-time or part-time employment will not be considered.
  • Going Beyond is committed to meaningful inclusion of young women and other marginalized youth, including youth with disabilities, rural youth, youth living in poverty, and displaced youth. These groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Going Beyond supports youth leaders with child care responsibilities and offers on-site childcare for participants with demonstrated need.
Get Ready

How to Apply

Prepare the following documents before starting the application form.

  • CV/resume in PDF format.
  • Scanned higher education certificate in PDF or image format.
  • Cover letter in PDF format.
How It Works

Selection Process

Three stages from application to career development support.

1
Finalist Selection

Finalists announced on 27 April 2026.

2
Training & Deployment

Induction and Training of Trainers: 4 May to 15 May 2026, then contracting on 22 May 2026.

3
Placement Period

Placement runs from June 2026 to November 2026.

Program Schedule

Timeline for Recruitment, Selection and Deployment of Community Leaders

30 March - 10 April 2026
Call for Applications
10 April 2026
Deadline for Application
27 April 2026
Announcement of Finalists
4 May - 15 May 2026
Induction and Training of Trainers
22 May 2026
Contracting and Official Deployment
June 2026
Placement Start Date
November 2026
Placement End Date
Get Help

Questions & Support

Have Questions?

Can't find what you need? Visit our FAQ or get in touch with our support team.

View FAQ Email Us Call +265 888 217 937
Safeguarding & Conduct

In order to ensure this is a fair and accessible selection process, please connect with us at info@mhubmw.com.

Safeguarding and Code of Conduct Information:

We mHub 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 safeguard@mhubmw.com.

Report an Incident

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Shape your future. Empower your community. Join the Youth Leadership Program.

Applications open on 30 March 2026.