If you’re looking for a fast‑track start in South Africa’s fintech sector, the Lesaka Technologies APEX Graduate Programme 2027 is open for applications right now. The deadline is 30 October 2026, and the programme runs for 18 months in Johannesburg.
What the APEX Graduate Programme Is
APEX is Lesaka’s “Future Leaders Accelerator”. Successful applicants become permanent employees from day 1. You will work on real business projects, meet senior leaders and rotate through different parts of the fintech business.
Who Can Apply
You are eligible if you meet all of the following:
- Graduated or in your final year of a relevant degree (Technology, Finance or Operations)
- Minimum 75 % academic average
- Demonstrated leadership – through university clubs, work, community projects or entrepreneurship
- Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills
- Curiosity about technology, business and financial services
- Willingness to work across functions and adapt to new environments
Previous fintech experience is not required.
What You Will Gain
The 18‑month programme offers:
- Permanent employment from the start
- Clear line‑manager support
- Hands‑on responsibility for business deliverables
- Exposure to multiple functions and geographies
- Mentoring from senior leaders
- Strategic business challenges
- Experience with AI, automation and cybersecurity
- Leadership, commercial and strategic thinking development
- Communication, influencing and cross‑functional collaboration skills
- Opportunities to contribute to community and CSI projects
At the end of the programme you will lead an executive‑sponsored business challenge and present your recommendations to senior leadership.
Stream Options
Technology Stream
- Cybersecurity Analyst – protect customer transactions and Lesaka’s tech environment
- Data Analyst – extract insights from large fintech data sets
- Developer / Business Analyst – build and improve fintech solutions
- AI / Automation Engineer – identify AI and automation opportunities
- Security Operations Analyst – safeguard systems and customer data
Finance Stream
- Group Accountant – work on accounting across the fintech ecosystem
- Finance Sales Analyst – focus on customer economics and profitable growth
- Junior Finance Analyst – develop financial discipline and commercial thinking
- Junior Insights Analyst – turn data into business decisions
- Risk Analyst – identify, measure and mitigate financial risk
Operations Stream
- Operations & Projects Graduate – support complex cross‑divisional projects
- Commercial Strategy Analyst – work on business strategy and competitive positioning
- Junior Commercial Decision Analyst – aid data‑driven commercial decisions
- Fraud Risk Analyst – detect and prevent fraud, protect customers
How to Apply
- Gather the required documents: an updated CV, academic transcript and copies of any qualifications or certificates.
- Visit the Lesaka recruitment portal: Apply for the APEX Graduate Programme 2027.
- Complete the online form and upload all supporting documents.
- Review everything carefully and submit before 30 October 2026.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Highlight any leadership roles, even if they were in clubs or volunteer work.
- Show concrete examples of problem‑solving – describe the situation, your action and the result.
- Tailor your CV to the stream you are interested in; use keywords from the job description.
- Proofread your application for spelling and grammar errors.
- Submit all required documents; incomplete applications are usually rejected.
Next Steps
Take a moment now to update your CV and collect your transcripts. The deadline is fast approaching, so start your application today. Even if you feel you don’t tick every box, apply – many successful applicants learned on the job and grew into the role.
