OPPORTUNITY AT YOUNG AFRICA INNOVATES (YAI)
CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST: FACILITATORS, MENTORS, AND INDUSTRY EXPERTS
Young Africa Innovates (YAI) – Cohort 2
About Young Africa Innovates (YAI)
Young Africa Innovates (YAI)—proudly supported by the Mastercard Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)—is officially opening applications for experienced professionals to join our mission. We are inviting seasoned leaders and domain experts to support our dynamic Cohort 2 innovators as they develop, test, and scale high-impact businesses.
Available Roles & Responsibilities
We are seeking qualified professionals across three core capacities. Applicants are encouraged to review each role carefully and select the category that best matches their expertise and availability:
1. Facilitators
Duration: 2 Months
Key Responsibilities:
Guide innovators through the principles of human-centred design and community user research.
Conduct practical, hands-on workshops focusing on rapid prototyping and Minimum Viable Product (MVP) testing.
Help participants translate creative concepts into commercially viable solutions that address real-world market demands.
2. Mentors
Duration: 8 Months (Staggered basis)
Key Responsibilities:
Provide ongoing, one-on-one guidance and coaching to early-stage entrepreneurs.
Assist founders in setting actionable weekly goals, monitoring progress, and troubleshooting operational challenges.
Drive accountability and prepare ventures for upcoming stages of the programme.
3. Industry Experts
Duration: 8 Months (Staggered basis)
Key Responsibilities:
Deliver specialized technical, regulatory, financial, and sector-specific advisory support.
Help innovators resolve complex business hurdles, build sustainable ventures, and fulfill community needs.
Contribute directly to job creation and sustainable economic growth across the ecosystem.
Candidate Profile: Who Should Apply?
Experienced professionals with demonstrated expertise and practical industry knowledge.
Individuals with a deep commitment to nurturing early-stage entrepreneurs and fostering African innovation.
Professionals with the bandwidth and passion to provide impactful, structured support throughout the programme lifecycle.
Remuneration & Terms
Engagement terms and remuneration specifics are determined on a case-by-case basis. Successful applicants are advised to confirm all terms directly with the programme organisers during the engagement process.
How to Apply
Interested professionals should submit their expression of interest via the official application portal:
Note: The platform allows you to save your progress and complete the form at your convenience. Please ensure all details are accurate prior to final submission.
