Mentorship initiative launched to help young professionals build successful careers.

The initiative, created by Tata Evans and Vera Mbong, seeks to connect emerging professionals with experienced leaders, entrepreneurs and development practitioners who can provide mentorship, career advice and leadership support. 

According to the founders, the initiative is a response to the growing need for professional guidance, mentorship opportunities and leadership development among young people.

The pioneer edition was held under the theme: “The Power of Mentorship in Career Advancement and Professional Growth”.

It brought together professionals and participants from different backgrounds for discussions focused on career progression, leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and workplace excellence. 

According to organisers, the programme aims to bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity by creating a platform where experienced professionals can share knowledge, lessons and practical insights with younger generations navigating increasingly competitive professional environments.

Participants who took part in the first edition engaged in conversations and learning sessions designed to help them make informed career decisions, strengthen leadership skills and expand professional networks. 

The event featured professionals from sectors including leadership, entrepreneurship, information technology, journalism, community development, peacebuilding and social enterprise. 

Enter co-founder

Delivering the opening address, co-founder Tata Evans said the initiative was created after recognising that many young people possess talent and ambition but often lack the guidance and exposure needed to transform their goals into reality. 

He said the programme was designed to train, empower and connect young people through mentorship engagements, workshops and professional conversations.

Tata told participants that guidance from experienced professionals can help people navigate personal and professional challenges. According to Tata, many young people struggle with unemployment, leadership difficulties, self-doubt and uncertainty about the future.

“Mentorship is guidance. Mentorship is the intentional transfer of wisdom, experience, values, and lessons from one generation to another. Mentorship is a tool for impact,” Tata said.

He also encouraged participants to make the most of the opportunity by engaging fully with mentors and learning from their experiences. Reflecting on the value of time and personal development, Evans urged attendees to maximise opportunities available to them today.

“Live as if today is your last day. Work for tomorrow as if you are not expecting tomorrow to come. But what if tomorrow never comes? The truth is that time is one of life’s greatest gifts. None of us knows what tomorrow holds,” he said.

According to the founders, the initiative also seeks to promote a culture of mentorship, knowledge-sharing and community leadership while encouraging young people to become active contributors to development through confidence-building, networking and practical learning.

The founders believe mentorship remains one of the most effective tools for unlocking potential and fostering sustainable development. 

According to them, the Meet the Mentor Series is expected to become a recurring platform dedicated to nurturing ethical leaders, innovative entrepreneurs and socially responsible professionals.

The founders say the long-term goal is to create meaningful connections that support career growth and inspire positive change across Africa.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3819 of Tuesday June 16, 2026