Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

The Healing Balm Foundation, 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.

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.

The Going Beyond – Partnering for a Youth-Led Future project is a partnership between Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) and the Mastercard Foundation that aims to scale DOT’s evidence-based, peer-to-peer model and will be executed in 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.

Responsibilities or duties

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.

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

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

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

Ages 18–35

Applicants must be recent university or college graduates from accredited institutions with a certificate, diploma, or bachelor’s degree

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 to five years of graduation

Applicants must be current residents of Livingstone or Kazungula District

Applicants must be fully available for the duration of eight (8) months for the training and placement period

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

Commitment to participate fully in the program

Young women and youths living with disabilities are highly encouraged to submit their applications

Experience needed

No employment experience required

Applicants should be unemployed or underemployed

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

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

Following their selection, Youth Leaders will participate in program activities within their own communities. The Healing Balm Foundation is committed to supporting local leadership development and does not require relocation.

Non-graduates, those still in academic training and those currently in 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, including youth with disabilities, young people from rural areas, those living in poverty, and displaced youth. Young women and youth from these marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Going Beyond is also committed to supporting youth leaders to manage their childcare responsibilities and will provide on-site childcare for participants who demonstrate need.

• Serve as a program facilitator, coach, and changemaker.
• Empower peers and local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) owners with essential skills for business growth, including soft skills, basic business skills, practical digital skills, and self-confidence.
• Act as a role model and coach to peers, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Help local MSMEs grow by sharing essential business skills and practical digital tools.

• Digital skills
• Social impact acumen
• Leadership skills
• Entrepreneurial skills
• Career development skills
• Basic computer skills
• Fluent oral and written communication in the local language
• Passion for community development and entrepreneurship
• Community engagement skills

• Ages 18–35
• Recent university or college graduates from accredited institutions with a certificate, diploma, or bachelor’s degree.
• Certificates from credible Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs in relevant subjects may be accepted.
• Within 6 months to five years of graduation.
• Current residents of Livingstone or Kazungula District.
• Fully available for the duration of eight (8) months for the training and placement period.
• Access to a basic smartphone or laptop.
• Demonstrated leadership and passion for community development and entrepreneurship.
• History of or passion for community engagement activities.
• Commitment to participate fully in the program.
• Unemployed or underemployed.