Africa’s fashion industry is growing vibrantly, however certain factors such as industry fragmentation, huge knowledge and skills gaps, limited resources and high barriers to entry, (ILO, 2014: BOF, 2016 and British Council, 2016) are hampering the sustainable development of the sector.
In response to our growing community needs, The Assembly Hub has launched its Mentorship Scheme to support the development of emerging talent, entrepreneurs and startups in Africa’s fashion and creative sector.
The objective of the mentorship scheme is to build one-on-one relationships that help fashion and creative entrepreneurs find success, increase career satisfaction and navigate the unique challenges of the sector’s landscape.
The Assembly Mentors, the likes of Omoyemi Akerele, Mai Atafo, Isoken Ogiemwonyi, Yegwa Ukpo and Zainab Ashadu to name a few, are individuals with deep industry, investment and entrepreneurship experience or connections.They will support the entrepreneurs and startups within The Assembly community. Matches will be made between junior and senior level professionals or between peers.
The scheme requires a minimum of a six-month commitment, but will continuously undergo review and development with plans to incorporate the scheme within the wider membership programs and services at the Assembly.
Yoanna ‘pepper’ Chikezie, Founder of The Assembly says; “Our mentoring scheme has been designed to ensure that we draw from the wealth of individuals in the fashion and creative sector who are willing to commit their time and experience to achieve our goals. By nurturing a new wave of hungry and ambitious creative talent and pulling up fashion entrepreneurs who’ve not been able to overcome certain hurdles, we hope to really make valuable contributions to their success.”
Being able to call on someone who has significant experience and industry knowledge can make a huge difference to your career and business goals.For anyone currently working or running a business in the fashion and creative sector even if you’re just starting out, you can apply to be matched with one of our amazing mentors here.
Deadline to apply for the first cohort is the 30th December 2017.
About Us
The Assembly is a community and platform that supports fashion creatives and professionals across Africa. Our vision is to be a catalyst to a thriving eco-system that matches local talent for global success.
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