Empowering the Next Generation of African Leaders

“Taking the Business Entrepreneurship pathway of the YALI mentorship programme has helped me understand what it takes to build a business beyond just having an idea. I learnt how to identify customer needs, build the right team, understand business valuation, and explore funding opportunities. Most importantly, the programme has helped me gain clarity, and approach entrepreneurship with a better understanding of the practical steps involved in turning an idea into a sustainable business.

I am so grateful to the YALI Network Abuja for this invaluable opportunity, for providing this platform to connect and learn from industry experts.”

“When I joined the Mentorship Programme, I told my mentor, Blessing Iyare, that public speaking was my biggest weakness. Instead of brushing it aside, she built my growth around it.

Over eight weeks, I chose a speaking topic, built my slides, took honest feedback, and delivered my first talk to a tech audience. In addition I completed social media courses, started exploring AI tools for content creation, and found a clearer direction for my work in health and technology.

What I’ll remember most is her patience. She has a very busy schedule, and this mentorship is free, yet she always made time to ask what I had done and what was lacking. When life got heavy, she met me with understanding, not pressure.

Thank you, Blessing, for your time, your honesty, and for believing in me when I doubted myself. Thank you also to YALI Network Abuja for creating this opportunity for young people to grow.

This mentorship taught me that fear doesn’t mean stop. I’m committed to continuing to face mine, one step at a time.”