Yemisi Izuora
Heirs Holdings has opened applications for the second cohort of its Graduate Trainee Programme, offering young Nigerians an opportunity to build careers across some of Africa’s most dynamic business sectors.
The pan-African investment company said the programme, which is run under the Heirs Academy, is designed to identify and develop high-potential young professionals and equip them with the skills and experience required to thrive in today’s competitive corporate environment.
The six-month programme combines structured foundational learning with hands-on exposure across sectors including energy, insurance, financial services, power and real estate.
To qualify, applicants must be aged 27 or below, hold at least a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of Second Class Lower (2:2) from an accredited Nigerian or foreign university, and have completed the National Youth Service Corps programme.
Applicants must also have no more than two years of professional experience after NYSC.
Group Director, Human Resources, Heirs Holdings, Eluemuno Olumagin, said the initiative reflected the company’s belief that developing young talent was critical to Africa’s economic future.
“Africa’s economic transformation begins with its human capital. At Heirs Holdings, talent development is an essential, long-term strategic investment.
“Through the Heirs Academy Graduate Trainee Programme, we are identifying high-potential young professionals and equipping them with the critical skills, enterprise mindset, and sector depth required to build impactful careers and create lasting institutional value across the continent.”
The company said the programme goes beyond conventional classroom training by exposing participants to real business challenges and practical sector experience.
According to Heirs Holdings, trainees will develop practical business acumen, technical competencies and the professional discipline needed to navigate dynamic corporate environments while gaining an understanding of how businesses operate across different sectors.
The latest recruitment follows what the company described as a successful inaugural cohort, in which 54 trainees completed six months of structured learning and professional development.
Since completing the programme, the first cohort members have gone on to pursue careers within Heirs Holdings and its portfolio companies, where they have applied the knowledge, skills and values acquired through Heirs Academy.
Heirs Holdings said the experience of the first cohort had reinforced its commitment to creating a sustainable pipeline of young African professionals capable of contributing to the growth of institutions and businesses.
The Graduate Trainee Programme is a flagship initiative of Heirs Academy, the group’s centre of excellence for leadership, institutional capability and talent development.
The academy forms part of the broader Heirs Holdings approach to building human capital alongside investments in businesses across Africa.
Heirs Holdings, founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Tony Elumelu, has investments across multiple sectors of the African economy, with its portfolio spanning energy, financial services, insurance, hospitality, real estate and power.
The company said the Graduate Trainee Programme was therefore structured to give young professionals exposure to a diversified business ecosystem while preparing them for long-term careers.
Applications for the second cohort close on September 4, 2026.
Eligible candidates can apply through the Heirs Holdings Graduate Trainee Programme application portal.