October 9, 2024

Mentor-Mentee Pairing

In this guide:

Introduction

The African Association of Entrepreneurs facilitates mentoring and networking activiites as well as business consultancy services, training, and coaching .

The AAE Mentoring Program may begin with a rigorous selection process where entrepreneurs express interest and detailing their business ideas, goals, and challenges. Both mentees and mentors are encouraged to be assertive in asking for and offering help. The elements of the program are as following:

Goal Setting

Mentors and entrepreneurs work together to establish clear and achievable goals for the duration of the program. These goals could include launching a new product, expanding into new markets, improving operational efficiency, or securing funding.

Regular Meetings and Check-ins

Mentors and mentees typically meet on a regular basis, either in person or virtually, to discuss progress, address challenges, and brainstorm solutions. These meetings provide an opportunity for mentees to seek advice, gain insights, and learn from the experiences of their mentors.

Access to Resources

Mentees may gain access to a wide range of resources through the program, including workshops, training sessions, networking events, and industry connections. These resources are designed to supplement the guidance provided by mentors and help mentees overcome obstacles on their entrepreneurial journey.

Feedback and Evaluation

Throughout the program, mentors provide constructive feedback and evaluation to help mentees refine their business strategies, improve their skills, and achieve their goals. This feedback loop is essential for continuous learning and growth.

Celebrating Success


At the end of the program, successful milestones and achievements are celebrated, and mentees are encouraged to reflect on their progress and set new goals for the future. This helps to build confidence, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment among participants.

Becoming an AAE mentor

  • Step 1: Request a mentor user login. (Go to Mentors group page and click on the Join button)
  • Step 2: Complete the Mentor sign up form. Login will be created within 48 hours, if approved.
  • Step 3: Please sign on the AAE Mentor Groups website. Browse the entrepreneur group profiles and select one entrepreneur.
  • Step 4: Write a plan of support for  this entrepreneur, outlining needs; roles and expected results. Initial assessments are often analytical and based on readily available information (e.g. mentee website, profile, published SWOT Checks etc.).
  • Step 5: Submit the plan through this link, or by email. Include a related image, if available.
  • Step 6: If your plan is accepted, the entrepreneur would informed of your offer and availability to begin a mentoring relationship.
  • Step 7: Begin communicating with the entrepreneur. Be friendly, professional, and helpful. Communications may happen by various channels, especially those channels that may prove effective. This may include email, video call/meeting, telephone, textual/social media chat, SMS, etc.
  • Step 7: Submit monthly reports on your progress and a final overall report at the end of the task period

Finding an AAE mentor

“A mentor is someone whose life or work you value and admire, and whom you think might be a good guide.” says this article. These days, a mentor can be any age, in any field, so we encourage you not to think of a mentor in traditional terms. Too often we limit our mentors to those in more senior positions. Don’t let a person’s age, title, or experience pigeonhole your thinking.”

As an entrepreneur, sometimes after you start a business you face internal doubts about your competencies and abilities, which is where a mentor can help. When you find a mentor, it is your responsibility to keep up the communication so you can benefit from them and increase your positive intentions. Different from motivational speakers, who do not know you and have no responsibility towards you, a mentor motivates you to discover the potential they see in you. When you choose a good mentor, you can turn to him/her for advice before making a move.

It is helpful to create a list of 2 or 3 potential mentors.  As you reach out, you may find one is too busy and unable to commit the time. Here are some options to help one through AAE.

Choosing a mentor – Utilizing the AAE mentor profiles

Begin by thoroughly assessing your requirements and establishing criteria for an ideal mentor based on those needs. Clearly articulate the areas where you seek guidance or insights. This clarity will aid in selecting a suitable mentor who possesses expertise in the identified areas.

Step 1: Access the Mentor Directory
Step 2: Utilize Filters to Refine Search

Employ available filters such as area of expertise, location, and availability to pinpoint mentors aligning with your specific requirements. Select a mentor from the filtered list whose professional interests and objectives resonate with yours.

Step 4: Initiate Contact
  • Upon identifying a potential mentor, review their profile for contact details.
  • Draft an introductory email outlining your needs, reasons for considering them as a suitable mentor, and politely inquire about their willingness to provide mentorship.

Choosing a mentor – Utilising the help of a support staff

Finding a mentor via an AAE Support Staff entails a systematic approach to ensure alignment with an expert capable of guiding your professional journey effectively. Here’s how to navigate this process:

Step 1: Identify Your Needs and contact the AAE Team

Specify Needs: Begin by identifying the specific areas where expertise is required, as this forms the basis of your request.

Contact Team: Log in to your AAE account and access the Report/Blog submission form page on the AAE website. Provide detailed information about your requirements. Please include a comprehensive business profile or website link if available, as specificity enhances the likelihood of attracting suitable mentors.

  1. Sign up or Login

3. Choose the Blog/Report tab and click the New Blog Post link

4. Enter a clear description of the task that the mentor will be asked to collaborate on.

5. Enter a title and image (optional)

6. Submit

Step 2: Receive List of Mentors

Organize Potential Mentors – Categorize Experts: An AAE Support Staff will notify you of mentors interested in working with you. To streamline the process, organize contact details and information of experts.

Step 3: Choose a Mentor and Initiate Contact

Selecting a Mentor: From the responses received, choose a mentor based on their expertise, experience, and the relevance of their suggestions or insights to your needs.

Initiate Contact: Send a personalized email to your chosen mentor, expressing your interest in their guidance and outlining your expectations for the mentorship. Wait two days before sending a follow-up email to allow the expert time to respond.

Step 4: Follow-Up and Explore Alternatives
  • Waiting Period for Response: If your initial choice of mentor does not respond, consider following up after a few days to confirm receipt of your request and express continued interest.
  • Exploring Alternatives: In case of no response, consult the Support Staff for assistance in finding another suitable mentor.
Step 5: Assess Expert Responses

After submitting your request, it becomes visible to experts in the relevant field. Review responses and profiles of interested experts.

Step 4: Express Gratitute
  • Express gratitude for their response and reaffirm your eagerness to commence or continue the mentorship.
  • Discuss and finalize the terms of mentorship, including meeting frequency, objectives, and duration.

Tips for Successful Mentor Engagement

Professionalism: Ensure all communications maintain a professional tone.

Persistence: Don’t be discouraged by lack of responses; finding the right mentor may take time.

Adaptability: Stay flexible in your expectations and remain open to learning from multiple experts if the opportunity arises.

By diligently following these steps, you enhance your prospects of finding a mentor who can provide valuable insights and guidance tailored to your specific needs in your professional field.