Catalyst Fund Inclusive Fintech Programme Starts Receiving Internship Cohort Applications

The Catalyst Fund Inclusive Fintech Programme, managed by BFA Global, has opened applications for its latest internship cohort till 15 April 2021. According to the Catalyst Fund, there are 12 internship opportunities available at fintech startups across Africa and the programme will help facilitate placing successful applicants. 

Abby Butkus, Program Manager for Catalyst Fund and Program Lead for the Inclusive Fintech Talent Programme explains that the internship programme is two-fold in both benefiting young and talented individuals alongside assisting its portfolio of companies. 

“The ability to work closely with incredible entrepreneurs who are building highly impactful and inclusive products is a transformational opportunity for our interns. We’ve iterated on the programme over the last few years to ensure we are providing critical support to startups as they onboard and manage junior talent. We continually refine the way we provide mentorship, training, and community to the interns to set them up for growth and success. After working with their first intern through the program, over 70% of startups have requested another or launched their own internship programs.”

The renowned internship programme is held in partnership with the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) at the Cambridge University Judge Business School. 

The Catalyst Fund Inclusive Fintech Programme

The talent programme functions as a tool to assist in filling skills gaps within the companies existing in the Catalyst Fund portfolio. Selected applicants will have the opportunity to work at an innovative African fintech startup, network in the industry, build their professional skills and further develop their skills. 

Applications must be submitted online. 

Selected participants will be placed at a fintech that forms part of the Catalyst Fund’s latest cohort – including Lami, Indicina, Koa, Power, and Kandua. These startups currently have a range of openings within their company, from sales, data analysis, customer service, and more. 

Selected candidates will take part in a three to six-month paid internship with an impact-oriented fintech startup in emerging markets and possibly secure a full-time job. In addition, interns will gain exposure to the fast-growing fintech markets with training provided by the Catalyst Fund and CCAF experts, along with tailored professional development opportunities.

Rina Joseph, a 2020 PR Intern at Pesakit in Kenya provides insight into her experience as an intern in the prestigious programme. 

“This is an extremely beneficial internship, and it can be remarkably valuable towards your career. You will be working for some amazing companies that are helping people in a very tangible way, and an additional bonus is that you will be a part of a talented cohort of like-minded professionals who will be a part of your network forever. I am grateful to have received this opportunity through Catalyst Fund. I had never worked in the fintech space before, and now I’m certain that this is the foundation I want to build my career upon.”