Understanding the impact of mentoring on Africa’s economic growth

The impact of mentoring and coaching on Africa's economic growth is a topic of great importance and relevance, especially as the continent strives to develop its human capital and leadership capacity. In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Ineza Mireiile Karera, CEO of Kora Coaching Group, discussed the significance of coaching and mentorship in addressing the challenges faced by businesses in Africa. Karera highlighted the distinction between coaching and mentoring, emphasizing the role of experienced leaders in providing guidance to emerging leaders and individuals in new roles. She underscored the historical origins of mentoring and the positive effects it can have on organizations and individuals. Karera pointed out that while coaching and mentoring have demonstrated significant returns on investment in developed economies, their adoption in African countries like Rwanda is still in the nascent stage. However, she expressed optimism about the potential for mentoring and coaching to drive economic growth and skills development in Africa. Karera emphasized the need for companies, entrepreneurs, and organizations to integrate mentoring and coaching into their development plans to foster leadership and professional growth. She noted the importance of providing coaching and mentoring opportunities for leaders at all levels, from CEOs to entry-level positions, highlighting the benefits of emotional intelligence and career development. Karera also addressed the issue of scarcity of local coaches in Rwanda and the efforts being made to train and recruit more coaches to meet the growing demand for coaching services. She emphasized the role of coaching in developing the next generation of African leaders and the need for comprehensive coaching and mentoring programs to support young professionals. Karera's insights shed light on the transformative power of coaching and mentoring in driving economic growth and cultivating a skilled workforce in Africa.