Absa Group Limited, commonly known as Absa, is a leading South African multinational banking and financial services conglomerate. Established in 1986 through the merger of several banks, Absa has grown to become a prominent player in the African financial landscape. Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, Absa operates in 10 sub-Saharan African countries, including Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia .
Absa’s mission is to be a leading pan-African bank, navigating the complexities of the dynamic operating environment with resilience and agility. The bank is deeply committed to creating sustainable value for its shareholders and making a meaningful impact on the communities in which it operates. Absa’s strategy is anchored around five core pillars: client-centricity, digital transformation, sustainability, talent development, and cultural transformation.
With over 37,000 employees as of 2024, Absa has a significant presence across Africa. The bank’s diverse portfolio includes personal and business banking, credit cards, corporate and investment banking, wealth and investment management, and insurance services. Absa’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its focus on climate change, financial inclusion, and diversity and inclusion across the continent.
The Absa Internship Programme 2026 offers a unique opportunity for young professionals to gain hands-on experience in the banking and financial services industry. This program is designed to provide interns with a comprehensive understanding of Absa’s operations, culture, and values, preparing them for future leadership roles within the organisation.
Available Internships at Absa Group Limited
SAICA Trainee Accountant 2026
The purpose of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) program is to provide selected trainees with the relevant experience and competencies needed to qualify as chartered accountants after a period of three years. Trainees rotate every six months into different areas of the bank, which provides sufficient exposure and training.
Absa places your professional and personal development at the forefront of your journey, with technical and professional training underpinning your day-to-day job. Your growth, as a trainee, will be further cemented by coaching, mentoring, conference attendance, and participation with the wider Absa Graduate Program (Gen A) on an array of learning programs.
Their Executive Committee (Exco) is fully supportive of trainees and takes pride in their growth and achievement. For this reason, each quarter, an Exco member will host a trainee engagement session where you will have the opportunity to network with the leadership of the bank. Exam fees are fully funded and complemented by generous study leave benefits that are specific to the program.
Once you have successfully completed the 3 years of practical experience and the SAICA exams, you will qualify as a well-rounded CA (SA) with an exciting career trajectory.
Eligibilty:
Apply for the program if you are currently enrolled for an honours degree in the Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA).
CIMA Trainee Accountant 2026
The purpose of the Absa Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) program is to provide selected trainees with the relevant experience and competencies needed to qualify as chartered accountants after a period of three years. Trainees rotate every six months into different areas of the bank, which provides sufficient exposure and training.
Your professional and personal development are at the forefront of your journey at Absa, with technical and professional training underpinning your day-to-day job. Your growth, as a trainee, will be further cemented by coaching, mentoring, conference attendance, and participation with the wider Absa Graduate Program (Gen A) on an array of learning programs.
Our Executive Committee (Exco) is fully supportive of our trainees and takes pride in your growth and achievement. For this reason, each quarter, an Exco member will host a trainee engagement session where you will have the opportunity to network with the leadership of the bank. Exam fees are fully funded and complemented by generous study leave benefits that are specific to the program.
Once you have successfully completed the three years of practical experience and the CIMA exams, you will qualify as a well-rounded Chartered Global Management Accountants (CGMA) with an exciting career trajectory.
Eligibility:
Apply for the program if you are currently enrolled for an honours degree (or higher) in financial management that will provide you with exemptions for the CIMA managerial level (objective tests P2, F2 & E2).
Experience requirements:
Candidate must have less than 2 years full-time work experience
2026 Absa Technology Graduate Programme
An exclusive two-year technology accelerator program that offers top tech graduates the opportunity to launch their careers with creativity, ingenuity, and purpose. The program invests in the whole person – developing technical, behavioural, and leadership capabilities. Widespread experience and exposure, mentorship, intentional career mobility, hands-on contribution to cutting-edge innovation, and a month-long immersion experience are just the start. This is an opportunity for top tech talent to champion digital transformation and be an active force for good in our communities, Africa, and beyond.
Eligibility:
Innovative, digital, and bright minds that are prepared to challenge themselves and who are passionate about joining an organisation creating value across the Pan-African banking industry.
Those who are excited about technology and embrace solving complex challenges and adopting an agile mindset.
Graduates who are open to new learning experiences and embrace the fast-paced world of work we operate in.
Persons who look forward to learning and implementing a design thinking approach in everything they do with curiosity in data capital, digital management, and/or information technology.
GenA Investment Banking 2026
This is an exciting opportunity to become a part of award-winning, internationally experienced teams and map out a career in the front office by joining one of the following areas: Resource and Project Finance, Structured Trade and Commodity Finance, Deal Management, or Corporate Finance.
Eligibility:
Innovative, analytical, and bright minds that are prepared to back themselves to win and who are passionate about joining an organisation creating value across the banking industry. Someone who wants to be part of a structured development graduate program that will connect you to colleagues across the continent, equipping you with the skills to be self-empowered and cross-culturally competent. You will master the art of design thinking mindset while applying novel and adaptive thinking that will prepare you for the future world of work.
GenA Quantitative Analytics 2026
Join Absa’s QA team to gain a sought-after and refined skillset in quantitative analytics and software development. This team owns, develops, and maintains the Quant library used across the CIB Franchise.
Eligibility:
Absa is looking for bright, curious problem solvers with strong technical skills and a passion for learning. Those who are eager to code and use math and statistics to problem-solve by providing insights and solutions to complex business challenges. The individuals who are looking to accelerate a career in Quants and investment banking.
Absa Risk Graduate Programme 2026
The Absa Risk Graduate Programme, a 2-year intensive learning journey, offers the chance to specialize in one of three pathways:
- Credit Analyst Pathway: Develop core skills in credit risk assessment and structuring, gain expertise in evaluating counterparty debt capacity, motivate sound lending decisions, and manage a dynamic loan portfolio.
- Risk Management Pathway: Gain a deep understanding of how to evaluate, respond to, and monitor a wide range of evolving risks—including operational, resilience, capital, and ESG risks. This broad exposure will provide a strong foundation for a career in any specialist area of risk management.
- Quantitative Analyst Pathway: Use data science, modelling, and advanced analytics to drive risk insights.
Each pathway includes a structured curriculum, exciting rotations, dedicated mentors, and career guidance—because we invest in our people. In return, we expect commitment, ambition, and the drive to be world-class.
Eligibility:
• A postgraduate degree in Finance, Statistics, Economics, Risk Management, Data Science, Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Accounting, or related fields.
• Sharp analytical skills and a passion for problem-solving.
• A hunger to learn, grow, and push boundaries in the world of Risk.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-performance, highly collaborative environment.
Technical Competencies:
Data analysis. Building presentation. Develop Credit Risk and Operational Risk models. Develop Market Risk models. Potentially develop challenger models for validation of Credit Risk and Operational Risk. Integrate technical statistical experience and business knowledge
GenA Global Markets 2026
The Global Markets graduate programme is a unique 18-month experience that exposes you to different Markets Trading and Sales desks. You will rotate across various desks such as Fixed income, Equities, Foreign Exchange, Counterparty Risk Trading, Structuring, Credit, and prime. You can work on deals and trades happening across the Africa continent.
What’s in it for you?
• Develop your trading, risk management, and sales skillset at one of the largest investment banks in Africa.
• Embark on a 10-month leadership development journey that equips you to be a future leader of Africa. Your leadership journey focuses on personal leadership, personal branding, design thinking, digital agility, innovation, disruption, team effectiveness, strategic thinking, and analytical problem-solving.
• Exposure to the fast-paced world of Global Markets.
• Receive coaching from your desk heads, mentorship from senior leadership, and peer guidance from grad alumni to harness your potential and kickstart your career.
• Build relationships with seasoned professionals in the industry.
• Make a meaningful contribution to society through Absa’s Force for Good (CSI) initiatives.
Technical Competencies
Cognitive flexibility. Financial Analysis. Investment analysis. .Client service/communication. sStrong communication skills. Market Research & Analysis. Commercially savvy. Business Plan Preparation and Evaluation. Data analysis. Be able to work within a high pressure environment
Benefits of Absa Internship:
- • Development journey that focuses on technical training, digital innovation and disruption, strategic thinking and analytical problem solving, design thinking methodology, learning to embody Absa’s leadership philosophy through the GenA Programme, personal branding, and team effectiveness.
- • Exposure to Absa’s Technology Estate
- • Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- • Positive Organisational Culture
- • Career Growth Opportunities
- • An Immersive and Hands-On Learning Experience
- • Intentional Mentorship
- • Business and behavioural coaching from a well-established corporate educator
- • Involvement in Action Learning Projects that address real business opportunity and challenges
Absa Group Limited’s internship and graduate programmes offer a valuable opportunity for young professionals to gain practical experience and develop the skills necessary for a successful career in the financial services industry. By aligning with Absa’s mission and values, participants can contribute to shaping Africa’s future while advancing their professional growth.
For more information and to apply, visit the Absa Careers Portal.
