7 Top Internships in Africa

Why Intern in Africa?

With us, you’ll find the best internships in Africa that promise you adventure, cultural exchange, and the opportunity to make a global impact. You’ll get to work with cutting-edge technologies, collaborate with skilled professionals, and immerse yourself in local communities.

Some popular internships in Africa include those in wildlife conservation, teaching, and sustainable development. And with the right attitude and effort, an internship in Africa can be an invaluable opportunity to explore the world and gain career experience. Apply for an internship today and start exploring this diverse and vibrant continent!

Here Are Our 7 Best African Internship Programs

1. Remote Internship in Social Impact & Nonprofit

Suited for: Students, recent graduates, or professionals interested in social impact

What’s the bigger impact? By participating in this internship, you’ll contribute to meaningful projects that create lasting change for underserved communities.

Make a real difference and gain hands-on experience from anywhere. This internship helps support communities in need, promotes sustainability, and advances equality. You’ll work with experienced mentors and teams on practical tasks like fundraising, community outreach, and program planning.

Interns get exposure to important areas of the nonprofit world, including planning strategies, working with partners, and measuring impact. Through research, writing, and organizing projects, you’ll help tackle big issues like poverty, education, and protecting the environment.

2. Wildlife Research Internship in the Greater Kruger Area

Suited for: David Attenborough-worshippers, explorers, and those who love nature

What’s the bigger impact? Provide quality data on endangered and at-risk species that will contribute to conservation plans.

Did you know that you can spend a significant part of your internship cruising in a safari vehicle? Well, yes! It’s absolutely true. Our wildlife research internship promises an immersive experience while you do important work. On the borders of the world-famous Kruger National Park lies a private lodge dedicated to wildlife research and conservation. From there, interns conduct their own field research and wildlife projects on any species that can be found in this region, including the African elephant, lion, wild dog, or even raptors.

If you’re still figuring out which internships in Africa are the best fit for you, consider this opportunity. This internship allows you to gather data for your thesis and opens the door to potential wildlife-related job opportunities. Our research team is actively seeking interns, so if you’re interested, don’t hesitate to apply and become part of the team.

3. Photography Internship in Greater Kruger Area

Suited for: Aspiring photographers with a passion for wildlife and conservation

What’s the bigger impact? As a photography intern, your work goes beyond capturing stunning images.

We’ve all had our jaws drop to the floor as we scroll through Instagram to see an impossibly beautiful photograph of an African lion. We get the same feeling as we flick through the pages of National Geographic’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year. For some of us, that’s as close to the real thing as we’re ever going to get. But, at African Impact, that’s not the case for our photography interns! And you’ll soon learn what makes this one of the best African internships out there.

Interns on this project get to join us on a private reserve in South Africa, while being mentored by a professional photographer. You’ll learn not only about wildlife photography, but also how to work as part of a team that is focused on global issues. Your final photographs play a crucial role in aiding researchers and conservation organizations in identifying animal species and gaining a deeper understanding of their distribution. Your photos can also help to raise awareness and understanding of the plight of endangered species.

4. Gender Equality Internships Across Africa

Suited for: People who want to empower both girls and boys in gender equality initiatives

What’s the bigger impact? Tackle key issues like education, health, early pregnancy prevention, and self-belief, all while developing valuable nonprofit skills.

Look past just girls and women and empower boys and men to join and encourage the movement of gender equality. Whether you’re a 17-year-old girl or 35-year-old man, The Girl Impact is a gender equality initiative that works across three countries in East and Southern Africa, offering internship placements all year-round.

By joining one of these internships, you’re someone who is passionate about gender issues, developing hard-skills in a non-profit role, and using your strengths to mentor and provide support in education, health, prevention of early pregnancy, personal safety, sustainable living, and growth in self-belief.

5. NGO Internship in Zambia

Suited for: Those interested in working on projects related to health and education, etc.

What’s the bigger impact? Your involvement helps to build sustainable solutions that address systemic issues.

In this internship, you’ll make a direct impact on the lives of people in need. You’ll work with local NGOs on projects that focus on improving education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Your efforts will help these organizations reach more children with education, provide families with necessary healthcare, and support community development. Alongside gaining practical experience in the nonprofit sector, you’ll contribute to lasting solutions that tackle issues like poverty and inequality, helping to ensure better access to essential services in Zambia.

6. Public Health Internship in Livingstone

Suited for: Up-and-coming members of the healthcare services and related industries, groups, as well as those with limited time available

What’s the bigger impact? Improve rural and impoverished communities’ access to quality public health services.

Having a larger impact on the world requires more than just a single action. It requires consistent effort and dedication over time. It’s also important to be aware of the ripple effects your actions can have on others and on the environment. That’s why we’ve been working hard in Livingstone, Zambia, for more than ten years.

Providing quality public health services to impoverished and rural communities is an integral part of the African Impact way. If this is something you want to be a part of, our public health internship is one of the best internships in Africa you can find. You can make a difference by investing in public health programs, increasing access to preventive care, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Together, we can create a healthier, more equitable society.

7. Medical & Nursing Internship in Kenya

Suited for: Medical and nursing students seeking practical experience

What’s the bigger impact? Your work supports local healthcare professionals in providing essential medical services, promoting disease prevention, and educating communities on health practices.

Take the chance to get real-world experience while helping communities in need. You’ll work with local doctors and nurses in hospitals and clinics, providing important care and learning about global health issues. This program also lets you experience Kenya’s culture while building skills in patient care, diagnosis, and treatment. In addition to working in medical settings, you’ll take part in community projects that teach health education and help prevent disease. Through this internship, you’ll make a lasting difference by improving healthcare access and outcomes in a sustainable way.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Internship in Africa

After learning about all the top internships in Africa, the next step is to choose one! As you choose your internship, there’ll be a bunch of factors worth considering, many of which will be specific to you. Take all the possible factors into account by reading our list below:

Factor 1: Accommodation

In Africa, accommodation can vary widely depending on the region and the internship program. Ensure that the accommodation provided is secure and comfortable. In some areas, amenities might be basic, so check if the place offers essential services such as reliable electricity and water. A comfortable living space is crucial for a positive experience, especially when you’re in a new environment. It affects your ability to rest and stay healthy, which in turn impacts your performance and enjoyment of the internship.

Factor 2: Travel Opportunities

Based on what you’ve read above, you’ve got a great starting point to explore which internships in Africa are best for travel opportunities. These opportunities let you experience the local culture, sights, and activities. Whether it’s guided tours, day trips, or weekend excursions, these experiences can enrich your stay and create lasting memories. Taking advantage of these travel options ensures that you see more than just the main tourist spots. You can discover hidden gems, meet locals, and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of each place, making your travel experience much more fulfilling and enjoyable.

Factor 3: Sustainability

When choosing an internship, ensure it creates lasting change rather than short-term fixes. Look for programs with a clear mission and proven impact, especially in Africa where resources are limited. Choose internships that focus on sustainable solutions with a track record of long-term benefits. Research the program’s effectiveness, read reviews, and talk to past interns. This way, your efforts will contribute to meaningful improvements in communities, addressing crucial issues like resource management, conservation, and social equity.

Factor 4: Typical Age Range

The age range of interns can influence your overall experience. In Africa, you might find a diverse group of interns, from students to professionals. If you prefer working with peers close to your own age, it’s helpful to inquire about the typical age range of past and current interns. This can affect team dynamics, social interactions, and the overall atmosphere of the program. A cohort with a similar age group might foster stronger connections and a more cohesive experience, enhancing both your personal and professional growth.

Which Internship in Africa is Right for You?

Our goal is to help you find out which internships in Africa are best for you. And it’s important to us that you get to your final decision in the easiest way possible. So, we’ve created a bunch of amazing resources for you to look through. Read more about our missions and values, or head over to the GoAbroad website to see what previous interns are saying about our internship projects in Africa!

Choosing the right internship is personal and unique to each person. Follow these steps to find an option that matches your values, goals, and budget. Keep in mind that depending on unforeseen circumstances, you might have to compromise. Your ideal location might not fit your budget, or you’ll have to make do with a shorter stay. However, there’s no single best way to intern abroad. As long as your chosen program fulfils the reasons why you want to intern abroad, you’re guaranteed to have a life-changing and worthwhile experience.

Let Us Help You!

Discover the opportunities that await you with the best internships in Africa. Interning in Africa is a great way to gain international work experience and build a strong network of contacts. With a wide range of industries and diverse cultures, Africa provides a vibrant platform for personal and professional growth. And, if you’re anything like the team at African Impact, you’re already thinking ahead and finding opportunities for self-discovery, growth, and learning this year.

Reach out to us with any questions you may have, however big or small, using our inquiry form.