McKinsey & Company’s Young Leaders Program (YLP) is a prestigious initiative aimed at developing exceptional young talent across Africa.

This program offers recent graduates a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in consulting, working alongside experienced professionals to address some of the continent’s most pressing business challenges.
Program Overview
The YLP is a one-year, full-time consulting fellowship designed for recent university graduates from various academic backgrounds who are passionate about pursuing a career in consulting and contributing to Africa’s development.
Participants, referred to as Fellows, are integrated into McKinsey’s consulting teams, where they play active roles in client engagements.
This includes gathering and analyzing information, formulating and testing hypotheses, and developing and communicating recommendations. Fellows also have the opportunity to present results to clients and collaborate with client team members to implement recommendations.
McKinsey & Company Internship Program Summary
Summary | Details |
Host | McKinsey & Company |
Category | Training, Fellowships |
Eligible Countries | All African Countries |
Reward | Internship, Training, Employment |
Deadline | Not Specified, and can be based on your country. |
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the YLP, applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Educational Background: Hold an undergraduate or master’s degree with an outstanding record of academic achievement.
- Work Experience: Possess less than three years of work experience.
- National Service: Have completed or are about to begin their country’s mandatory national youth service.
- Leadership and Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrate a proven record of leadership through extracurricular activities or in a work setting, along with exceptional analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills.
- Team Collaboration and Communication: Exhibit the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and communicate complex ideas effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
Program Structure and Benefits
Throughout the program, Fellows receive exceptional training, coaching, and mentoring from colleagues on their teams. This support includes guidance from a partner in their local office or practice to help steer their career development, as well as formal training sessions. Additionally, Fellows receive support in selecting client projects that align with their skills and interests, aiding in their professional growth and network building.
Upon successful completion of the program, high-performing Fellows may be offered a full-time Business Analyst role within the firm, providing a pathway for continued growth and contribution to impactful projects across Africa
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through McKinsey’s official careers page.
To apply, click here.
The application process typically requires the submission of a one-page CV, indicating the applicant’s cumulative university GPA or ranking and high school mean grade.
While specific application deadlines may vary by location, it is advisable to check the official McKinsey careers website or contact the local McKinsey office for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Apply for any one of the following;
Fellow – Young Leaders Program – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fellow – Young Leaders Program, Nairobi, Kenya
Associate Intern – Lagos Nigeria
For instance, in Nigeria, the YLP is open to West African graduates. Who have completed or are yet to begin their country’s mandatory national youth service.
The program aims to develop exceptional young local African talent into real leaders. Providing them with the skills and experiences necessary to excel in the consulting industry.
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