VC4A is delighted to announce the graduation of the top exceptional mentors following the successful completion of the 2024 VC4A Mentor-Driven Capital (MDC) program, in partnership with FMO Ventures. This practical three-month program aimed to empower experienced professionals to become high-impact mentors for the next generation of African entrepreneurs, with a specific focus on providing enhanced support in tier-2 cities across Ghana, Morocco, and Tanzania. From over 260 applications received, 79 outstanding candidates were selected to participate in the training. These dedicated mentors have now earned their place in the prestigious VC4A Mentorship Marketplace.
The MDC program was designed to equip participants with the essential tools and skills needed to be effective mentors. Through expert-led sessions, workshops, and practical exercises, mentors gained a deep understanding of mentoring methodologies, entrepreneurship challenges, and the VC4A ecosystem.
We’re pleased with the results of the 2024 Mentor-Driven Capital program, says Thomas Van Halen, Director of Investor Services at VC4A.
Seeing experienced professionals step up to guide the next wave of African entrepreneurs is truly inspiring. It’s not just about individual success stories – we are witnessing the growth of entire startup ecosystems across the continent. MDC is proof of the power of knowledge-sharing and collaboration in driving innovation and economic progress in Africa. We can’t wait to see the impact these mentors will have on the future of African ventures.
MDC 2024 supporting local ecosystems
VC4A’s support was instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of local innovation hubs across Ghana, Morocco, and Tanzania. By empowering local professionals as mentors and connecting them with early-stage startups, the MDC program contributes to ecosystem strengthening, knowledge transfer, job creation and opens these regions up for investment opportunities. This practical training directly promotes a more inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurial landscape in the focus countries and in the continent overall.
We recognize the efforts of the local partners who played a core role in identifying and supporting the local mentors, facilitating connections with founders, and providing on-the-ground support throughout the program:
- Ghana: HapaSpace, HOPin Academy, and Duapa Werkspace
- Morocco: Cluster Menara, Bidaya Incubateur, and Hack&Pitch
- Tanzania: Cube Zanzibar, Rlabs Tanzania, and Twende Social Innovation Centre
Comprehensive mentor training
Participants of the 2024 MDC program received expert guidance through VC4A’s comprehensive Mentor-Driven Capital framework. The curriculum featured hands-on sessions and trainings led by VC4A featuring experienced angel investors and thought leaders like: Gidibo Tindwa and Catherine Rose Baretto.
Each mentor was paired with a founder to help both parties hone their skills. Mentors gained practical experience in guiding early-stage ventures, while founders received personalized support to address their specific business challenges. One founder shared their positive experience:
The program’s structured approach and personalized mentorship allowed me to clarify my business vision, enhance marketing and sales strategies, improve financial planning, and build a stronger financial management structure.
– Sylvester Amoako Yegoe, Founder of Ready Rent, Ghana.
Meet the Mentor-Driven Capital (MDC) 2024 participants
The graduating mentors have been entered into the VC4A Mentorship Marketplace, and are ready to support more entrepreneurs along their startup journey. Their expertise, combined with VC4A’s training and local hub partnerships, will help drive significant growth from the ground up.
MDC class of 2024:
Ghana: Richmond Bediako Ampabeng, Nana Osei Appiah, Martins Adusei, Marian Esiape, Kwame Ababio, Irene Ampomaa Ohene, Gustav Korli Adjase-Kodjo, Genevieve Parker, Emmanuel Apetsi, Bright Mawuli Kugblenu, Ivy Lawson, Bernie Osei-Duah, Amin Yahaya, Amede Olisa, Albert Mali, Adjei Benson, Linda Wunaki, Abena Abedi, Francisca Ansah, Maxline Chelsy Sey, Thecla Wricketts, Ahmed Salim, Ekow Akyin Kwofie, Ken Kubuga, Amina Naciri, Lucie Arntz, Benjamin Nii Kpani Addy, Emmanuel Arthur, Elijah Bagnabu.
Morocco: Yass Maghnoui, Youssef Moummad, Abdelbasit Mohandis, Adnane Balboul, Ahmed Rehane, Chaimae Bahi Slaoui, Zakia Benhida, Fouad Amaidan, Hassan Imad, Khalid El Housni, Ouahid Nabil, Sana Lamtara, Tarek Nagdi, Zeouay Yassine, Hind Malainine, Jabrane Abdelhamid, Oussama Ghazi, Zabari Saad, Sara el aoufi, Minhaj Mariam, Mohamed Touhrane, Nadir Sinaceur, Soualih Yassine, Harit Yassine, Loubna Abid.
Tanzania: Thomas Shiva, Stella Zedekiah, Said Khamis, Reagan B. Akowuah, Laura Minde, Justine Massaba, Doris Ahiati, Dami Olonilua, Wende Mhidze, Ashraf Mukri, Dina Kikuli, Enoch Appiah Jr., Justin Madho, Korankye Tweneboa Spencer, Kwesi Kumah, Mustafa Sharif, Silas Nghabi, Adrian Piers, Dr. Policarp Miku, Aziz Elyaagoubi, Patience Abraham Karua, Nana Osei Tutu Appiah.
Speaking about his participant experience when paired with a founder in the training program, is Bright Mawuli Kugblenu – Managing Consultant, Bimak Management Consultancy Limited, Ghana. He shares:
Mentoring Sylvester, the founder of Ready Rent company to grow and develop throughout this program has been an absolute joy. His dedication, passion, and eagerness to learn have made him a pleasure to mentor. The program itself has provided a fantastic platform for personal and professional growth. It’s been a truly rewarding experience.
VC4A believes that mentorship is key to unlocking a startup’s full potential, and these new mentors will play important roles in guiding the next generation of successful African founders. By creating a strengthened mentorship community, VC4A’s MDC program helps create a thriving startup ecosystem in Africa. With the support of FMO Ventures, the 2024 program has been able to create this opportunity, particularly in emerging tech hubs.
To explore partnership opportunities or make inquiries about incorporating the VC4A Mentorship Marketplace or mentor-training modules in your programs, please reach out to Barbara Onyejose at barbara@vc4a.com.
If you’re an experienced professional passionate about supporting exciting founders building high-growth startups, we invite you to join the Mentorship Marketplace. Visit vc4a.com/mentors to learn more.
About the Mentor-Driven Capital Program
‘Mentor-driven capital’ is one of VC4A’s approaches to creating value for startup ecosystems around the world. It’s about finding and supporting motivated and experienced professionals to share the knowledge, experience, and network you’ve acquired over your career with promising entrepreneurs through the VC4A Mentorship Marketplace. As you support your mentee on his/her entrepreneurial journey, you get keen insights into the local startup ecosystem and hone your own mentoring, business & leadership skills.
About VC4A
VC4A is an ecosystem builder that leverages its infrastructure, network, and expertise for the programs that contribute to the startup movement in emerging markets. Since 2007, the organization has designed, structured, and implemented successful entrepreneurship programs on the continent. VC4A runs an online platform featuring the world’s largest database of startups in Africa and Latin America, connecting entrepreneurs to resources, networks, and funding that they need to succeed. Visit vc4a.com and latam.vc4a.com for more information.
About the FMO Ventures Program
FMO Ventures Program is an initiative of FMO. The EUR 200 million program is supported by contributions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands as well as by a guarantee from the European Commission.
FMO Ventures Program aims to empower innovative business models applying disruptive technology to enable or improve affordable access to goods and services to the un(der)served in emerging markets. FMO Ventures Program focuses on direct investments in young start-up and scale-up companies in Fintech, Energy access and Agritech, as well as on indirect (fund) investments in Venture Capital funds, predominantly in Africa and the European neighborhood, and in certain parts of Asia.