Quick note first: many websites call this an “internship,” but Lesaka’s own advert describes APEX as a permanent graduate role. It is a permanent job with an 18-month development programme built in, and it is not a 12-month internship. The name matters when you write your application.
Direct Apply Link
👉 Apply for the APEX Graduate Programme 2027
Jobs and other vacancies: Lesaka posts openings on the same recruitment portal:
Closing date: 30 October 2026. The advert went live on 2 October 2026 and closes on 30 October 2026. That leaves roughly three and a half weeks from today, 6 October
What Is APEX?
APEX is Lesaka Technologies’ Future Leaders Accelerator. Unlike a standard graduate scheme, it puts successful graduates into permanent positions from Day 1, with real responsibilities, business deliverables and meaningful projects.
You are hired as an employee, not placed on a short training contract. You get a permanent role, a line manager and real work from the start, plus a development journey over 18 months.
The advert makes the point itself: the programme is not about spending 18 months moving from one training session to another.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Lesaka Technologies |
| Programme | APEX Graduate Programme 2027, Future Leaders Accelerator |
| Location | Johannesburg, Gauteng |
| Employment type | Permanent |
| Development period | 18 months |
| Closing date | 30 October 2026 |
| Fields | Technology, Finance, Operations |
| Minimum average | 75% |
| Final-year students | Welcome to apply |
About Lesaka Technologies
Lesaka is a fintech company focused on financial inclusion in Southern Africa. It is listed on the JSE (LSK) and NASDAQ (LSAK) and serves underserved consumers and merchants with banking, lending, insurance, cash management, card acquiring and supplier payments.
It operates in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia. It serves over 1.7 million consumers and more than 90,000 merchants, and processes over R72 billion in annual transaction throughput. These figures come from earlier Lesaka adverts and may have been updated since.
For a graduate, that means working on real products used by real people in the informal and township economy. Your work could directly affect how small businesses get paid and access credit.
Roles You Could Land
Roles are grouped under Technology, Finance and Operations. The roles mentioned include Cybersecurity Analyst, Data Analyst, Developer or Business Analyst, AI/Automation Engineer, Group Accountant, Finance Sales Analyst, Junior Finance Analyst, Risk Analyst, Operations & Projects Graduate, Commercial Strategy Analyst and Fraud Risk Analyst.
- Technology: cybersecurity, data, development or business analysis, AI and automation
- Finance: accounting, finance sales analysis, junior finance analysis
- Operations and strategy: risk, fraud risk, projects, commercial strategy
You need a qualification that fits one of these areas. The posting asks you to pick the position that matches your studies and goals, so don’t apply blindly.
What You Will Do and Learn
Based on the published responsibilities, expect the following.
- Real ownership from the start. You deliver meaningful work against defined business objectives in your allocated role.
- Exposure across the business. You see different functions, customers, markets and geographies, and you work with senior leaders and executives on strategic challenges.
- AI and technology thinking. You look for ways to use AI and technology to improve productivity, automate work and improve customer experiences.
- Soft skills. You build influencing, communication, collaboration, leadership and personal effectiveness skills.
- A capstone challenge. At the end, you build a recommendation for an executive-sponsored business challenge and present it to senior leadership.
- Giving back. You take part in a community or CSI contribution during the programme.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Checklist)
Lesaka says it wants exceptional people with the potential to become future leaders, not simply candidates with strong academic results. The requirements are:
- ✅ A minimum 75% academic average
- ✅ A relevant qualification in Technology, Finance or Operations
- ✅ Evidence of leadership. This can come from university, work, community or entrepreneurial experience, or elsewhere.
- ✅ 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
Other points from the posting:
- Final-year students will be considered.
- Previous fintech experience is not required.
- Commercial awareness, communication skills and comfort with technology, AI and automation are beneficial.
If you are slightly under 75%, the posting presents the average as a firm minimum. Check your transcript honestly before investing time in an application.
Documents to Prepare
The advert says to submit an updated CV and an academic transcript. Copies of completed qualifications or certificates should be included where applicable, and incomplete applications may not be considered.
Before you open the form, have these ready:
- An updated CV, ideally one or two pages
- Your latest academic transcript, which should show the 75% average clearly
- Copies of completed qualifications or certificates, if you have finished a degree or diploma
- A short list of your leadership examples with specific results
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
- Check eligibility. Confirm your 75% average and that your qualification fits Technology, Finance or Operations.
- Prepare your documents. Scan them clearly and name the files sensibly, for example Surname_Name_CV.pdf.
- Open the application page.
- Complete the online form carefully. Check that your details and qualifications are accurate.
- Upload everything and review it before you submit.
- Submit before 30 October 2026. Don’t wait for the last day, because portals can slow down or fail near deadlines.
How to Make Your Application Stand Out
Because APEX looks for future leaders, a CV that only lists subjects and marks will probably blend in. These tips are my suggestions based on the stated criteria, not official Lesaka guidance.
- Show leadership with evidence. Instead of “Member of the student society,” say what you led, how many people were involved and what changed.
- Show impact. The posting stresses improving how things work. Describe a process you fixed, a project you finished or a problem you solved.
- Use numbers. Hours saved, funds raised, people served or grades improved are all stronger than general claims.
- Show curiosity about fintech. Learn what Lesaka does for informal merchants and be ready to talk about it.
- Mention AI and automation. The programme highlights both, so any tools, projects or coursework you have are relevant.
- Choose a role that fits. Match your degree and projects to one clear area instead of applying vaguely.
- Proofread. A clean, error-free CV signals attention to detail, which matters in finance and technology.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming this is a 12-month internship with no job at the end. It is a permanent role.
- Applying without the minimum 75% average.
- Leaving out the academic transcript.
- Waiting until the final days to apply.
- Using a generic CV that ignores the leadership and impact criteria.
- Trusting third-party sites over the official portal for details. Always confirm on the Lesaka application page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is APEX an internship?
No. It is a permanent graduate programme. Lesaka also ran separate 12-month paid internship programmes earlier in the year, which were advertised as 12-month paid internships and closed in February and March 2026.
Where is it based?
Johannesburg, Gauteng.
Can final-year students apply?
Yes, they are welcome to apply.
Do I need fintech experience?
No, you don’t.
What is the salary or stipend?
I couldn’t find a published figure. One summary lists the stipend as not specified. Since the role is permanent, ask about remuneration at interview stage.
Is there a deadline?
Yes, 30 October 2026.
Final Thoughts
APEX is a rare kind of graduate opportunity because it combines a permanent job, real responsibility, access to senior leaders and a structured 18-month growth path. If you have a 75% or higher average and a relevant qualification, and you can show leadership and impact, it deserves a strong application.
👉 Apply now before 30 October 2026
Details are based on the official Lesaka vacancy listing and recent coverage as of 6 October 2026. Always check the application page for the latest information before you submit.
I can also turn this into a Word document or HTML page, or draft a CV summary or cover note tailored to APEX, if you’d like.
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