Meta Description: Lesaka Technologies’ APEX Graduate Programme 2027 is a permanent 18-month future leadership programme in Johannesburg for exceptional graduates in technology, finance and operations.
Lesaka Technologies is inviting applications for the APEX Graduate Programme 2027 – Future Leaders Accelerator in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Unlike a traditional graduate programme, APEX offers successful candidates a permanent Lesaka position from Day 1, with real responsibilities and an 18-month development journey.
Applications opened on 2 October 2026 and close on 30 October 2026.
Opportunity Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Lesaka Technologies |
| Programme | APEX Graduate Programme 2027 – Future Leaders Accelerator |
| Location | Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Duration | 18 months |
| Employment type | Permanent |
| Level | Entry Level |
| Industry | Financial Services |
| Streams | Technology, Finance and Operations |
| Minimum academic average | 75% |
| Final-year students | Considered |
| Salary | Not specified |
| Application deadline | 30 October 2026 |
What Is the Lesaka APEX Graduate Programme?
APEX is Lesaka’s Future Leaders Accelerator, created for graduates who want to develop beyond a conventional graduate training programme.
Participants become permanent Lesaka employees from the beginning, with a line manager, real business responsibilities and meaningful deliverables.
Over 18 months, participants develop professional, functional, commercial and leadership capabilities while gaining exposure to Lesaka’s fintech operations.
What Can Participants Expect?
The programme is designed around practical experience and leadership development.
Participants can expect:
Real responsibility from Day 1: Work in a permanent role with actual business deliverables.
Cross-functional exposure: Gain insight into Lesaka’s businesses, customers, markets and operations.
Senior leadership exposure: Work with executives on strategic business challenges.
AI and technology development: Identify opportunities to use AI and technology to improve productivity, automate processes, enhance customer experiences and solve business problems.
Future leadership development: Build skills in commercial thinking, strategy, communication, influencing, collaboration, leadership and personal effectiveness.
Executive-sponsored challenge: Complete a business challenge and present recommendations to senior leadership, alongside a community or CSI contribution.
Who Can Apply?
Lesaka is looking for graduates with strong potential for future leadership.
Applicants should have:
- A minimum 75% academic average.
- Relevant qualifications aligned with Technology, Finance or Operations.
- Evidence of leadership through university, employment, community activities, entrepreneurship or other experiences.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical ability.
- A desire to create impact and improve how things work.
- Curiosity about technology, business and the future of financial services.
- Ambition and adaptability to work across different functions and environments.
Previous fintech experience is not required.
Final-year students will also be considered.
APEX Technology Stream
The Technology stream includes opportunities related to:
- Cybersecurity
- Data analysis
- Development and business analysis
- AI and automation
- Security operations
The roles are designed around areas such as customer transaction security, fintech data, next-generation solutions, automation and protection of systems and customer information.
APEX Finance Stream
The Finance stream includes opportunities in areas such as:
- Group accounting
- Finance sales analysis
- Junior finance analysis
- Insights analysis
- Risk analysis
These opportunities focus on areas including financial discipline, customer economics, business decision-making and financial risk.
APEX Operations Stream
The Operations stream includes opportunities involving:
- Operations and projects
- Commercial strategy
- Commercial decision analysis
- Fraud risk
These areas involve project delivery, competitive strategy, data-driven commercial decisions and customer protection.
Why Consider Lesaka APEX?
Lesaka operates at the intersection of financial services, technology and inclusion, serving consumers, merchants and businesses across its markets.
The APEX programme is focused on practical work rather than a training-only structure. Participants are expected to solve real problems, contribute to business priorities and develop capabilities that can support future leadership responsibilities.
Documents Required
Applicants should submit:
- Updated CV
- Academic transcript
- Copies of completed qualifications/certificates, where applicable
The company states that incomplete applications may not be considered.
Application Deadline
Applications close on:
30 October 2026
The vacancy was posted on 2 October 2026.
How to Apply
Applicants should apply through the official Lesaka Technologies recruitment portal.
Apply for the Lesaka APEX Graduate Programme 2027
Search for “APEX Graduate Programme 2027 – Future Leaders Accelerator” on the recruitment portal.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Lesaka APEX Graduate Programme 2027 is particularly relevant to graduates interested in technology, finance, operations and fintech who want permanent employment combined with structured leadership development.
The programme’s requirement for a minimum 75% academic average, combined with leadership potential, analytical ability and adaptability, means applicants should demonstrate more than academic performance alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lesaka APEX Graduate Programme?
APEX is an 18-month Future Leaders Accelerator designed to develop graduates through practical work, cross-functional exposure and leadership development.
Is the Lesaka APEX programme permanent?
Yes. Successful participants become permanent Lesaka employees from Day 1.
Where is the programme based?
The advertised opportunity is based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.
How long is the programme?
The programme lasts 18 months.
What is the minimum academic requirement?
Applicants need a minimum 75% academic average.
Can final-year students apply?
Yes. The vacancy specifically states that final-year students will be considered.
Which fields are covered?
The programme includes Technology, Finance and Operations streams.
Is previous fintech experience required?
No. Lesaka states that applicants do not need previous fintech experience.
What documents should I submit?
Applicants should provide an updated CV, academic transcript and copies of completed qualifications or certificates where applicable.
Is the salary disclosed?
The supplied vacancy does not specify a salary.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is 30 October 2026.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed is sharing this opportunity for informational and career purposes. We are not affiliated with Lesaka Technologies and do not recruit applicants on its behalf.
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