Lesaka Technologies is inviting high-performing graduates and final-year students to apply for the APEX Graduate Programme 2027 – Future Leaders Accelerator in Johannesburg.

The 18-month programme is designed for ambitious young professionals who want to gain hands-on experience, take on meaningful business responsibilities and develop their careers within the fintech and financial services industry.

Application Closing Date: 30 October 2026

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Employment Type: Permanent

Programme Duration: 18 months

About the Lesaka APEX Graduate Programme

APEX is Lesaka Technologies’ Future Leaders Accelerator, developed to provide high-potential graduates with an accelerated pathway into the business.

Unlike a traditional graduate programme, successful candidates will join Lesaka as permanent employees from their first day. Participants will take on genuine business responsibilities, contribute to projects and work on challenges that have a direct impact on the organisation.

Throughout the 18-month programme, graduates will develop their technical, commercial and leadership capabilities while gaining exposure to different areas of Lesaka’s fintech operations.

What the Programme Offers

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Start permanent employment from Day 1.
• Take responsibility for real business deliverables.
• Receive guidance from a dedicated line manager.
• Gain exposure to different business functions and geographical markets.
• Work alongside senior leaders.
• Participate in strategic business challenges.
• Gain exposure to artificial intelligence and technology.
• Develop leadership capabilities.
• Strengthen commercial and strategic thinking.
• Build communication and influencing skills.
• Work collaboratively across different teams.
• Participate in community and CSI initiatives.

The programme will conclude with an executive-sponsored business challenge, with participants expected to develop a recommendation and present it to senior leadership.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Achieve a minimum academic average of 75%.
• Hold or be completing a relevant qualification aligned with:
  • Technology
  • Finance
  • Operations
• Demonstrate leadership experience through university activities, employment, community involvement, entrepreneurship or other initiatives.
• Have strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrate an interest in creating meaningful business impact.
• Show curiosity about technology, business and financial services.
• Be adaptable and comfortable working across different functions and environments.

Previous experience in the fintech industry is not required.

Final-year students may also be considered for the programme.

Available Technology Opportunities

Cybersecurity Analyst

Work on initiatives focused on protecting Lesaka’s technology environment and helping to secure customer transactions.

Data Analyst

Analyse large-scale fintech data and use insights to support business decisions.

Developer / Business Analyst

Contribute to the development and improvement of technology and fintech solutions.

AI / Automation Engineer

Identify opportunities to use artificial intelligence and automation to improve business processes and address operational challenges.

Security Operations Analyst

Support initiatives aimed at protecting systems, technology infrastructure and customer information.

Available Finance Opportunities

Group Accountant

Gain exposure to accounting activities across Lesaka’s fintech operations.

Finance Sales Analyst

Work with customer economics and financial information to support profitable business growth.

Junior Finance Analyst

Develop financial analysis skills while building commercial and business acumen.

Junior Insights Analyst

Analyse information and transform data into useful business insights that support decision-making.

Risk Analyst

Assist with identifying, assessing and managing financial risks.

Available Operations Opportunities

Operations and Projects Graduate

Contribute to complex projects that involve different business divisions and teams.

Commercial Strategy Analyst

Support strategic initiatives focused on business growth, market positioning and competitiveness.

Junior Commercial Decision Analyst

Use data and analysis to support commercial decision-making.

Fraud Risk Analyst

Assist with identifying and preventing fraudulent activity while helping protect customers and the business.

Who Should Apply?

The APEX Graduate Programme may be suitable for graduates and final-year students interested in developing careers in areas such as:

• Cybersecurity
• Data Analytics
• Software Development
• Business Analysis
• Artificial Intelligence
• Automation
• Finance
• Accounting
• Risk Management
• Fraud Risk
• Commercial Strategy
• Operations
• Project Management
• Financial Services
• Fintech

Applicants should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and demonstrate the potential to grow into future leadership roles.

Documents Required

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

• Updated CV.
• Academic transcript.
• Copies of completed qualifications or relevant certificates, where applicable.

Final-year students may also apply.

Applicants should ensure that all required documents are uploaded as part of the application, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the Lesaka Technologies recruitment portal.

Apply for the Lesaka Technologies APEX Graduate Programme 2027

Applicants should complete the online application form and upload all requested supporting documentation.

Application Closing Date: 30 October 2026