October 8, 2024

About

In this guide:

Introduction

The African Association of Entrepreneurs, AAE, with its history of advocacy, education, and information services for SMEs, along with mentorship for young entrepreneurs, plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and growth in green economies for SMEs in Africa. By these services, AAE is contributing to the the development of the African Green Innovation Enterprises by creating a platform that provides African entrepreneurs with opportunities for exchange and learning.

AAE offers educational training and networking services to enhance entrepreneurs’ knowledge and skills in green technologies and sustainable practices. Additionally, entrepreneurs are paired with industry experts and mentors who have a deep understanding of green business development to facilitate knowledge sharing and technology transfer. With the influence of these actions, entrepreneurs are expected to promote green technology innovation and encourage the development of African green finance.

Group members can express interest in one or more following services through thier AAE profile update forms.

Mentor-Mentee Pairing

Mentors provide business support and advice to young entrepreneurs and accompanied them through the process of setting up their business and finding solutions to specific business challenges. Participating entrepreneurs benefited from the mentor’s advice, knowledge and expertise in a specific industry. Finding a mentor via a AAE support staff entails a systematic approach to ensure alignment with an expert capable of guiding your professional journey effectively. Read more.

SWOT Check

The business world is a competitive arena where organizations strive to achieve their objectives and outperform their rivals. To succeed, it is crucial for businesses to understand their internal and external environment and adapt accordingly. The AAE Entrepreneur Group SWOT Check is conducted on a bi-annual basis. AAE Students undertake strategic planning analysis using readily available data, and sometimes, personal interviews. During the exercise, the AAE Students focus on analysing the Strenghts, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of their selected entrepreneur. Then they summarise this in an SWOT report to help the business owner gain more insight, new perspective and understanding into the context within which they operate.

The results are shared with the entrepreneur and on the AAE website ( for registered members), thus helping to build more awareness for the enterprise among potential investors, mentors, partners and supporters. 

Experiential Learning for Students

The purpose of the voluntary online Internship is to offer students training and practical learning experience in our operational areas. AAE collaborates with sending organisations, universities and educational institutions in the design of new internship assignments and offers a convenient and independent path for students to apply for the internship at African Association of Entrepreneurs. Learn about the Voluntary Online Internship Program

Professional Request, Volunteers/Interns

Are you looking for a service provider, supplier, or specilist for a project? You can contact the AAE Team for help in in your search for a provider. Also our local volunteers/Interns are eager to serve on a project/assignment at a member’s work premises or online.

Membership Certificate

Registered AAE users who have used any of our services in the last six months are eligible to be issued with a membership certificate.

FAQs

Entrepreneur FAQs

I am an entrepreneur. How can I get an Expert or Mentor to help with my project?

Experts, skilled or knowledgeable persons can offer tailored support to members. They offer their services on voluntary basis and remotely. If carefully chosen, mentors have the right skills, experience and attitude and offer a range of support in areas such as business planning, funding research, translation, graphic design, website design, proofreading etc. Read the step by step guide to publish a task opportunity

How can I get listed in the AAE Community Directory?

You can get listed by registering. Our Directory service gives you access to our business. It contains the contact details of various key actors in the African entrepreneurial ecosystem, including entrepreneurs, experts, students, researchers, and support providers etc.

Do entrepreneurs get a free website + free hosting?

Yes. This is offered under these condition:

  • Member can have one website
  • Web hosting is a shared hosting service, is reliable and has 100% uptime.
  • The member will have administrator access to their installed Website CMS
  • AAE handles server-side issues
  • TLDs domain name registration and renewal is the responsibility of the mentee
Do you have networking event for small business?

Yes. We hold networking events for entrepreneurs virtualy and locally.

Can I get a certificate (membership, trainee)?

Yes. Entrepreneurs may recieve a one year membership certificate when they participate in our support activities

Mentor FAQs

What happens after joining as a mentor?

Reach out proactively to new entrepreneurs. Discuss your mentorship project ideas with the AAE Team and find eligible entrepreneurs.

Student/Trainee FAQs

What training programs are available?

The AAE training program offer university students practical learning experience in our operational areas involves them in the workflow of AAE’s support services to the African entrepreneurial ecosystem. AAE collaborates actively with its network of entrepreneurs and support partners in the design of tasks and offers a convenient and independent path for students to apply. After reviewing the candidates’ materials, the African Association of Entrepreneurs issues offer letters or arranges a prior informal interview or free talk with the students to make a final decision.

When is the next intake of participant?

Applications are accepted in July, October, February and April. Applications must be received by the last day of these

What is the default mode of training?

The default mode of the training is fully online. While there may be onsite training, students can choose online/onsite/hybrid mode by themselves, but the students are responsible for all the costs related to the onsite training, including but not limited to accommodations, flight, food, etc