Lesaka Technologies is inviting high-performing graduates and final-year students to apply for its APEX Graduate Programme 2027 – Future Leaders Accelerator in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
Unlike a traditional graduate programme, the Lesaka APEX programme offers permanent employment from Day 1. Successful candidates will join the company as permanent employees while developing professional, commercial, technical and leadership skills.
The programme runs for 18 months and provides exposure to different functions and areas of Lesaka’s fintech business.
Applications close on 30 October 2026.
Lesaka APEX Graduate Programme 2027
APEX is Lesaka Technologies’ Future Leaders Accelerator.
The programme is designed for graduates who want to gain practical business experience while taking on real responsibilities from the beginning of their careers.
Participants will work on meaningful projects, contribute to business deliverables and receive support from experienced managers and senior leaders.
The programme also provides exposure to technology, financial services, commercial strategy and leadership.
Quick Overview
| Programme Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Lesaka Technologies |
| Programme | APEX Graduate Programme 2027 |
| Programme Name | Future Leaders Accelerator |
| Location | Johannesburg, Gauteng |
| Duration | 18 months |
| Employment Type | Permanent |
| Minimum Academic Average | 75% |
| Target Applicants | Graduates and final-year students |
| Streams | Technology, Finance and Operations |
| Closing Date | 30 October 2026 |
| Application Method | Online |
What Does the Lesaka APEX Programme Offer?
Successful candidates will become permanent Lesaka employees from the beginning of the programme.
During the 18 months, participants can expect opportunities to develop their technical, professional and leadership capabilities.
The programme offers:
- Permanent employment from Day 1.
- Real business responsibilities.
- A dedicated line manager.
- Exposure to different functions and geographies.
- Opportunities to work with senior leaders.
- Strategic business challenges.
- Exposure to artificial intelligence and technology.
- Leadership development.
- Commercial and strategic thinking development.
- Communication and influencing skills.
- Cross-functional collaboration.
- Community and CSI participation.
The programme concludes with an executive-sponsored business challenge, with participants expected to present a recommendation to senior leadership.
Lesaka APEX Graduate Programme Requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Have a minimum 75% academic average.
- Hold a relevant qualification aligned with Technology, Finance or Operations.
- Demonstrate leadership through university, work, community, entrepreneurial or other activities.
- Have strong problem-solving abilities.
- Have strong analytical abilities.
- Demonstrate a desire to create an impact and improve how things work.
- Show curiosity about technology, business and financial services.
- Be adaptable and willing to work across different functions and environments.
Previous fintech experience is not required.
Final-year students may also be considered for the programme.
Lesaka APEX Technology Stream
The Technology stream provides opportunities for graduates interested in technology, data, cybersecurity, software and artificial intelligence.
Potential opportunities include:
Cybersecurity Analyst
Graduates may work on securing customer transactions and protecting Lesaka’s technology environment.
Data Analyst
This opportunity focuses on extracting useful insights from large-scale fintech data.
Developer / Business Analyst
Graduates may contribute to building and improving fintech solutions.
AI / Automation Engineer
This area focuses on identifying opportunities to use artificial intelligence and automation to improve processes and solve business problems.
Security Operations Analyst
This role focuses on protecting Lesaka’s systems and customer data.
Lesaka APEX Finance Stream
The Finance stream is suitable for graduates interested in financial analysis, accounting, risk and commercial performance.
Potential opportunities include:
Group Accountant
Graduates may gain exposure to accounting across Lesaka’s fintech ecosystem.
Finance Sales Analyst
This role focuses on customer economics and profitable growth.
Junior Finance Analyst
Graduates can develop financial discipline and commercial thinking.
Junior Insights Analyst
This role involves turning data into useful business insights and supporting decision-making.
Risk Analyst
Graduates may work on identifying, measuring and mitigating financial risk.
Lesaka APEX Operations Stream
The Operations stream offers opportunities for graduates interested in business operations, projects, strategy, commercial decision-making and fraud prevention.
Potential opportunities include:
Operations & Projects Graduate
Graduates may contribute to complex projects involving different parts of the business.
Commercial Strategy Analyst
This role focuses on business strategy and competitive positioning.
Junior Commercial Decision Analyst
Graduates will support data-driven commercial decision-making.
Fraud Risk Analyst
This role focuses on detecting and preventing fraud while helping protect customers.
Who Should Apply?
The Lesaka APEX Graduate Programme may be suitable for graduates interested in careers 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 changing environments and demonstrate the ability to analyse problems, work with others and contribute ideas.
Academic Requirements
One of the key requirements for the programme is a minimum 75% academic average.
Applicants must also have a relevant qualification aligned with one of the programme’s three main areas:
- Technology
- Finance
- Operations
Final-year students may also be considered.
Candidates should make sure their academic record clearly demonstrates their performance because the programme is aimed at high-performing candidates.
Leadership Experience
Lesaka is also looking for evidence of leadership.
Leadership does not have to come only from formal employment.
The supplied requirements indicate that applicants can demonstrate leadership through:
- University activities
- Work
- Community activities
- Entrepreneurship
- Other relevant activities
Applicants should therefore highlight meaningful leadership experiences in their CV and application.
Skills Lesaka Is Looking For
The APEX programme is aimed at candidates who can demonstrate more than strong academic results.
Applicants should show:
- Problem-solving ability
- Analytical thinking
- Curiosity
- Adaptability
- Leadership potential
- Commercial awareness
- Interest in technology
- Interest in financial services
- A desire to create an impact
- Ability to work across different environments
Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Updated CV
- Academic transcript
- Copies of completed qualifications or certificates, where applicable
Final-year students may also apply.
Applicants should make sure that all required documents are uploaded correctly because incomplete applications may not be considered.
How to Apply for the Lesaka APEX Graduate Programme 2027
Applications must be submitted online through the Lesaka Technologies recruitment portal.
Step 1: Prepare your documents
Prepare an updated CV, academic transcript and copies of relevant completed qualifications or certificates.
Step 2: Check your eligibility
Make sure you meet the minimum 75% academic average and have a relevant qualification aligned with Technology, Finance or Operations.
Step 3: Complete the online application
Open the Lesaka APEX Graduate Programme vacancy and complete the application form.
Step 4: Upload your documents
Attach the required supporting documents before submitting your application.
Step 5: Submit before the deadline
Make sure your application is submitted before 30 October 2026.
Apply for the Lesaka Technologies APEX Graduate Programme 2027
Closing Date
The closing date for the Lesaka Technologies APEX Graduate Programme 2027 is:
30 October 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Lesaka APEX programme a permanent job?
Yes. The supplied programme information states that successful candidates join Lesaka as permanent employees from Day 1.
How long is the APEX Graduate Programme?
The programme runs for 18 months.
What is the minimum academic average?
Applicants should have a minimum 75% academic average.
Can final-year students apply?
Yes. Final-year students may also be considered.
Do I need fintech experience?
No. Previous fintech experience is not required.
Which fields are available?
The programme has three main streams:
- Technology
- Finance
- Operations
Where is the programme based?
The advertised location is Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit an updated CV, academic transcript and copies of completed qualifications or certificates where applicable.
When does the application close?
Applications close on 30 October 2026.
Why Consider the Lesaka APEX Graduate Programme?
The Lesaka APEX programme offers graduates an opportunity to start their careers with permanent employment while gaining exposure to a wide range of business functions.
The programme combines technical and professional development with real business responsibilities. Participants can also interact with senior leaders and work on strategic challenges.
For graduates interested in fintech, technology, finance or business operations, the programme provides an opportunity to develop skills while contributing to Lesaka’s business.
Conclusion
The Lesaka Technologies APEX Graduate Programme 2027 is designed for high-performing graduates and final-year students who want to build careers in technology, finance or operations.
The 18-month Future Leaders Accelerator stands out because successful candidates join Lesaka as permanent employees from Day 1. Participants will also gain practical business experience, leadership development, exposure to senior leaders and opportunities to work on strategic projects.
Applicants should have at least a 75% academic average, demonstrate leadership potential and show strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
If you meet the requirements, prepare your CV and academic documents and submit your application online before the 30 October 2026 closing date.
