Mentorship boosting confidence and leadership among young Africans, DTI-A says

Mentorship continues to play a critical role in shaping the future of young Africans, with beneficiaries citing increased confidence, leadership skills, and career growth as some of the key outcomes of structured guidance programmes.

This was highlighted during a gathering organised by Drive to Inspire Africa (DTI-A) in Nairobi, which brought together mentors and mentees from its Kenyan volunteer network to reflect on their experiences and discuss ways of expanding the organisation's impact in local communities.

The June 3 event provided a platform for participants to strengthen relationships, share personal journeys, and exchange ideas on addressing social and economic challenges affecting young people across the continent.

During the discussions, several mentees shared how mentorship had positively influenced their personal and professional development.

Among them was Jane Kareemora, who credited the programme with helping her overcome low self-esteem and become more confident.

"Before the mentorship programme, I had very low self-esteem. Through the support of my mentor and this mentorship programme, I have become a more outspoken, confident, and outgoing person," she said.

Her experience mirrored those of other participants, many of whom said mentorship had helped them navigate challenges, develop leadership skills, and make informed career decisions.

Mentors also spoke about the value of the programme, describing the experience as mutually beneficial. They noted that guiding young people has enabled them to learn from different perspectives while contributing to the growth of future leaders.

The organisation said the event was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen its volunteer network and foster greater community engagement beyond its established mentorship initiatives.

Drive to Inspire Africa currently runs a cross-border mentorship programme that connects young Africans with experienced professionals from various sectors, providing access to skills, knowledge, and professional networks.

According to the organisation, more than 40,000 young Africans had benefited from its programmes by May 2026.

As it expands its reach across the continent, DTI-A says it remains focused on building programmes that respond to the evolving needs of African communities while empowering young people to realise their potential.