Patricia Rwasoka-Masanganise

Given my extensive expertise in scaling agri-businesses, mentoring can significantly impact the success and sustainability of start-up businesses. Many people start businesses without enough entrepreneurial knowledge and skills. In addition, a new business rarely has the financial resources to afford the necessary support, leading to the failure of a business in the first 5 – years of starting the business. It is from this perspective that I am volunteering to provide mentoring services, especially in the agriculture and socio-economic development sectors. I will be able to share knowledge and experience, and provide insights to new entrepreneurs on business and financial management acumen. I desire to see businesses that are viable, with sustainable growth to contribute meaningfully to job creation and economic growth.

There are several factors that motivate me to be a mentor, including:

Giving back: I have benefited from mentorship and support throughout my career, and want to give back and help others in return.
Empowerment: I have a passion for empowering others, especially emerging women entrepreneurs, to realise their potential and achieve their goals.
Community Development: I am committed to contributing to socio-economic development in Africa, and mentoring start-ups is a direct way to support this, especially since many young people fail to get employment opportunities after completing school.
Continuous Learning: Mentoring gives opportunities for me to stay engaged with new ideas and technologies, fostering my own continuous learning and professional growth.
Legacy: I want to leave a positive and lasting legacy by contributing to the growth and development of future leaders and innovators.