Schneider Electric and international Non‑Profit Company (NPC), Enactus are celebrating the success of their collaborative mentorship programme, which is fostering purpose-driven leadership among young people across English-speaking Africa.

The Mentorship Programme, one of three youth initiatives alongside the Enactus Core Programme and the Battery Innovation Challenge (funded by the Schneider Electric Foundation), has mentored 115 students across the region in 2025.

The Schneider Electric Mentorship Programme aims to connects university students with experienced professionals for tailored guidance on leadership and career development.

Explains Letitia de Wet, CEO of Enactus South Africa: “The Schneider Electric Mentorship Programme has built confidence, sharpened professional skills, and strengthened leadership capabilities amongst university students, all to help prepare them for life beyond tertiary education.

“Mentors, for example, provide one-on-one support to their respective mentees, sharing valuable professional advice, including guidance on communication, networking, and professional etiquette coaching. Together with Schneider Electric, we have seen this valuable programme truly come to life.”

“The Schneider Electric Mentorship Programme has been a wonderful success; we’ve seen fantastic engagement and impact across our English-speaking Africa operations, with both mentors and mentees consistently describing the experience as life changing.  Personally, I have found it to be a truly fulfilling and rewarding experience,” adds Elihle Obi, Marketing Communications & Corporate Citizenship Director, English-speaking Africa at Schneider Electric.

The Schneider Electric Mentorship Programme at work – testimonials

Students and mentors in East Africa who have formed part of the programme between 2024 and 2025 highlight confidence-building and professional growth as key outcomes.

Mentees from regional universities expressed how the programme strengthened their confidence, direction, and purpose:

• Laura Biko, Dedan Kimathi University:

“My mentor taught me how to grow intentionally – to find my space and stand out with purpose.”

• Grace Mbeyu, Moi University:

“This programme has been transformative… I will strive to lead with intention, create impact, and pay it forward.”

Schneider Electric mentors echoed the above:

• Geraldine Sande, Channel Sales Leader East Africa:

“Mentorship isn’t simply leading the way but walking beside a mentee with insight and unwavering support as they navigate the unknown.”

• Miriam Gitonga, Finance and Accounting Manager:

“I choose to be intentional — to listen, guide, and share.”

• Chetan Ratna, CIB Segment and Prescription Leader:

“My mantra is ‘To Lift Others as I Rise.’ Mentorship unlocks potential and fuels success for the next generation.”

Similarly, South African mentees emphasised the value of clarity, courage, and real-world preparation:

• Sboniso Simelane, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, shared:

“The right mentor can help you see beyond challenges and unlock your true potential… imparting tangible skills, especially with regards to my CV and LinkedIn profile.”

• Kamogelo Ramoneta, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, said:

“Mentorship has helped me develop as a leader, find confidence in my voice, and gain meaningful lessons to strengthen my start-up.”

• Masixole Mjokovana, University of Fort Hare, reflected:

“My mentor transformed my perspective and self-belief during a time when I often felt uncertain and overwhelmed.”

• Sthandiwe Ngcongo, Durban University of Technology, added:

“My mentor was incredibly supportive… her guidance during stressful times was invaluable.”

South Africa mentors from Schneider Electric also highlighted the mutual growth and sense of accomplishment:

• Elihle Obi said:

“Being a mentor has been a fulfilling journey that highlighted the value of listening, empowering others, and growing together.”

• Carina van Zyl, Corporate Citizenship Leader, English-speaking Africa:

“Mentorship doesn’t require perfection – just a willingness to show up and share. Small moments of authenticity can change lives.”

• Vikash Rampathi, Segment Marketing Lead, shared:

“Mentorship is about paying it forward – creating a ripple effect of learning, sharing and growing.”

• Nontu Mkhize, Offer Marketing Manager: Power Services and Industry described mentoring for the first time as deeply meaningful:

“Guiding Sthandiwe felt like guiding my own daughter. We are still very much in contact, and this relationship will last a long time.”

Mentors from Nigeria also added:

• Innocent Ugwu, Commercial Tender Engineer:

“Mentorship provides strategic guidance and fosters professional growth, enabling individuals to navigate challenges with confidence and achieve excellence in their careers.”

• Ebiegberi Kalio, Project Buyer:

“Mentorship has opened doors I never imagined—it turned challenges into stepping stones and inspired me to aim higher than I thought possible.”

• Chidiebube Chukwu, Tendering Engineer:

“The mentorship was a profoundly reciprocal experience. It allowed me to channel my professional experience into tangible, real-world impact, and in return, the mentees’ fresh perspectives sharpened my own understanding of innovative, sustainable business solutions.  It reinforced that the greatest value in leadership is empowering the next generation to lead with purpose.”

Through mentorship, innovation challenges, and entrepreneurial development, Schneider Electric, the Schneider Electric Foundation and Enactus are empowering young leaders to drive Africa’s sustainable, digital and inclusive future.