Official Announcement

Join the movement! HeR Liberty, 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.

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About

The Program

What is the Youth Leadership Program?

The Going Beyond – Partnering for a Youth-Led Future project is a collaboration 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 four African countries – Côte d’Ivoire, Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania. Over five years, Going Beyond will empower over 300,000 youths, particularly young women, in Africa to lead transformational change.

Our Mission

To strengthen the capacity of 40 youth-led and youth-serving organizations and cultivate a Community of Practice that fosters knowledge sharing, mentorship, and empowerment. By tapping into the creative energy of African youth, the project is catalyzing a shift in the development narrative and creating a lasting impact.

Our Goal

These 40 youth-led and youth-serving organizations will then recruit, train, and deploy 4,000 Youth Leaders (70% women) as digital business facilitators to support and train 300,000 young entrepreneurs (70% women) with digital and entrepreneurship skills, thereby improving livelihoods and strengthening the national foundation for sustainable economic growth.

Benefits

Why Join the 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

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 & change maker

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 DOT Youth Community

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

Who Can Apply

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Applicants

  • ✓Young graduates (18–35 years) with a minimum of a certificate, diploma or bachelor's degree from accredited institutions. Please note, certificates from credible technical and vocational education and training programs in relevant subjects such as TEVET may be accepted
  • ✓To qualify as a recent graduate, you must be within 6 months and 5 years of graduation
  • ✓Must be Malawi nationals or a legal resident of the country
  • ✓Applicants must be current residents of Zomba District
  • ✓Applicants must be fully available for the duration of eight(8) months for training and placement period: Mid-April to Mid-December
  • ✓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. HeR Liberty is committed to supporting local leadership development and does not require relocation.
Note: Women, youth and people with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.70% of targeted candidates are women and are thus highly encouraged to apply for the program

Ineligibility Notice

Please do not apply if any of the following apply to you:

  • ✕You are outside the 18–35 age range at the time of application
  • ✕You do not hold a minimum diploma or equivalent educational qualification
  • ✕Non-graduates, those still in academic training and on currently full-time will not be considered
  • ✕You reside outside the participating program countries
Note: Prepare your CV/resume in PDF format, a scanned copy of your higher education certificate and a cover letter in PDF format Submitting an ineligible application wastes time for both you and our review team. Please review requirements carefully before applying.
Schedule

Program Timeline

11 March 2026

Applications Open

25 March 2026

Application Deadline

3rd - 15th April 2026

Shortlisted Candidates Interviews

20 April 2026

Announcement of finalists

1 May 2026

Induction of Trainers

4th - 15th May 2026

Training of trainers

18th - 22nd May 2026

Contracting and official deployment

25th May 2026

Placement start date

27 November 2026

Placement end date

Questions

Frequently Asked
Questions

Can't find your answer?

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Ready?

Take the Leap.
Apply Today.

This is your moment to step into a larger story. The world needs your leadership, your vision, and your action.

⏰ Application Deadline: 25 March 2026

Apply Now →

The application is free. There is no fee to apply.

Safeguarding & Ethical Conduct

The Going Beyond Project and its partners — HeR Liberty, Digital Opportunity Trust, and the Mastercard Foundation — are committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct and safeguarding. We are dedicated to ensuring that all participants, staff, volunteers, and community members are protected from harm, abuse, exploitation, and discrimination in any form.

Any participant who experiences or witnesses misconduct, abuse, or a safeguarding concern is strongly encouraged to report it immediately and confidentially.

Florence@herliberty.org