Graduate Trainee At Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund

About Us

The AECF (Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund) is a development institution that finances early and growth-stage businesses to innovate, create jobs, and leverage investments and markets to create resilience and sustainable incomes in rural and marginalized communities in Africa.

Since 2008, we have invested over US$ 220 million in over 420 businesses across sub-Sahara Africa focusing on Agribusiness, Renewable Energy, and Climate-smart Technologies. We have impacted more than 28 million lives, created over 25,000 jobs, and leveraged over US$ 757 million in matching funds to our portfolio companies.

AECF is headquartered in Kenya, with offices in Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Nigeria, South Sudan and Somalia.

About the Graduate Trainee Programme

The AECF Graduate Trainee Programme is seeking to offer highly motivated graduates an opportunity to be exposed to the mission and work of AECF. Graduates will be challenged to innovate and bring new perspectives into AECF work as they learn and grow their careers.

This program is designed to provide graduates with a unique opportunity to develop their skills, gain hands-on experience, and make a significant impact on the future of AECF and that of the development industry at large. A dedicated mentor will be assigned as a professional development process alongside on-the-job learning experiences with regular feedback sessions.

What you should expect:

• Rotation within the AECF Programmes Department which includes Agribusiness Programmes, Renewable Energy Programmes, Programme Operations, and Investment Advisory Services. This will bring perspective on how AECF runs programmes and how the different functions interact to successfully deliver on the vision of AECF, to build a prosperous, enterprising, and resilient Africa. This understanding will help the graduate to identify an area of interest and strengths that will guide them toward a potential career path within the organization.
• Comprehensive Training: You will receive in-depth training and mentorship from industry experts, allowing you to acquire a broad range of skills and knowledge.
• Real-World Experience: You will be exposed to practical, on-the-job training that will challenge and empower you.
• International Exposure: You will collaborate with a diverse team of professionals and engage in projects that span across the region and beyond, offering a unique perspective on investments in the focal sectors.
• Personal Growth & Development: This program will include personal development and leadership training to help you reach your full potential.
• Networking Opportunities: You will get opportunities to connect with a network of like-minded individuals and industry leaders, setting the stage for long-lasting professional relationships.

Suitable candidates must:

• Be a Kenyan citizen.
• Possess a bachelor’s degree in Agri-business, Renewable Energy, Investments, or any Business related course from a local or international university with First-Class Honors or Upper Second-Class Honors.
• Have graduated not more than 2 years ago.
• Have strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Be results-oriented and be willing to work under supervision and learn new skills.
• Be ICT proficient.
• Be qualified or pursuing professional certification in accounting or finance is an added advantage.