APEX Graduate Programme 2027 Opportunity at Lesaka Technologies Johannesburg

Lesaka Technologies is inviting applications for its APEX Graduate Programme 2027 – Future Leaders Accelerator in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Unlike a traditional graduate programme, APEX is designed to place successful graduates into permanent positions from Day 1, giving them real responsibilities, business deliverables and access to meaningful projects. Over an 18-month journey, participants will develop professional, functional, commercial and leadership capabilities while gaining exposure to one of Africa’s leading fintech businesses. The programme is aimed at exceptional graduates who want to build a long-term career in financial services, technology, finance or operations. Applications for the Lesaka APEX Graduate Programme close on 30 October 2026.

APEX is built around the idea that graduates should gain practical experience while developing the skills required to become future leaders. Successful participants will have a permanent role, a line manager and real responsibilities from the beginning of their journey at Lesaka. The programme will also provide opportunities to work across different functions, businesses, customer groups, markets and geographies, helping graduates develop a broad understanding of the organisation. Participants will interact with senior leaders and executives and contribute to strategic business challenges that have a real impact on Lesaka. This makes the programme particularly relevant to ambitious graduates who are ready to learn quickly, take ownership and operate beyond the boundaries of a single function.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of real business responsibilities from Day 1 as a permanent Lesaka employee.
• Deliver meaningful work and contribute to defined business objectives within the allocated role.
• Gain exposure to Lesaka’s businesses, customers, markets and operations across different functions and geographies.
• Work with senior leaders and engage with executives on strategic business challenges.
• Identify opportunities to use AI and technology to improve productivity and automate work.
• Explore ways that technology can improve customer experiences and solve business problems.
• Develop commercial and strategic thinking through practical business assignments.
• Build influencing, communication and collaboration capabilities through cross-functional work.
• Develop leadership and personal effectiveness skills during the 18-month programme.
• Participate in an executive-sponsored business challenge at the culmination of the programme.
• Develop a recommendation for the executive-sponsored challenge and present it to senior leadership.
• Participate in a community or CSI contribution as part of the programme journey.
• Work across different environments and adapt to changing business requirements.
• Apply analytical and problem-solving skills to real business challenges.
• Contribute ideas that improve processes, customer experiences, productivity and business outcomes.
• Continue learning about fintech, technology, financial services and the future of the industry.

Requirements and Skills

• A minimum academic average of 75% is required.
• Relevant qualifications aligned to Technology, Finance or Operations are required.
• Final-year students will be considered.
• Applicants should be able to demonstrate leadership through university, work, community, entrepreneurial or other experiences.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical ability is important.
• Candidates should demonstrate a desire to create impact and improve the way things work.
• Curiosity about technology, business and the future of financial services is important.
• Ambition and adaptability are required to work across different functions, businesses and environments.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills will be beneficial.
• Candidates should demonstrate commercial awareness and an interest in strategic thinking.
• A willingness to learn, take responsibility and work on meaningful business challenges is essential.
• Applicants should be comfortable using technology and developing their understanding of AI and automation.
• Previous fintech experience is not required.
• Candidates should demonstrate potential, capability, mindset and evidence of achievement beyond academic results.
• An updated CV must be submitted with the application.
• An academic transcript must be submitted.
• Copies of completed qualifications or certificates, where applicable, must also be submitted.
• Applicants should ensure all required supporting documents are included because incomplete applications may not be considered.

The APEX Graduate Programme 2027 at Lesaka Technologies offers exceptional graduates a permanent career starting point rather than a conventional training-only programme, with opportunities across Technology, Finance and Operations including roles such as Cybersecurity Analyst, Data Analyst, Developer or Business Analyst, AI/Automation Engineer, Group Accountant, Finance Sales Analyst, Junior Finance Analyst, Risk Analyst, Operations & Projects Graduate, Commercial Strategy Analyst and Fraud Risk Analyst; the 18-month Future Leaders Accelerator combines real responsibility, exposure to senior leaders, AI and technology capability building, cross-functional experience and an executive-sponsored business challenge, making it an opportunity for ambitious graduates who meet the 75% academic average and relevant qualification requirements and want to contribute to a business operating at the intersection of financial services, technology and inclusion.

Apply here