Ongoing Mentorship Sessions Under The Coalition for Digital Africa’s Capacity Building Initiative.

Africa Top Level Domains (AfTLD) is delighted to spotlight the ongoing mentorship sessions as part of the Capacity Building initiative under the Coalition for Digital Africa. These sessions are a crucial component of our mission to nurture and strengthen Africa’s digital infrastructure.

Meet the Mentors

We are honored to have an exceptional team of mentors leading these sessions, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the table:

Lucky Masilela, CEO of ZACR (ZA Central Registry): As the head of one of Africa’s leading registries, Lucky Masilela has played a pivotal role in the development and management of domain name systems in Africa. His leadership at ZACR has been instrumental in promoting internet governance and fostering a robust digital environment in the region.

Dr. Alex Corenthin, immediate former manager at NIC.SN and former AfTLD President: Dr. Corenthin is a highly respected figure in Africa’s IT landscape, with decades of experience as an IT consultant and educator. He is also the immediate former manager of NIC Senegal (nic.sn) and former AFTLD President. His deep understanding of internet infrastructure, coupled with his dedication to capacity building, makes him an invaluable mentor to participants looking to enhance their technical and strategic skills.

Ms. Grace Mwikarago Ingabire, CEO of RICTA (Rwanda Information & Communication Technology Association): Under Ms. Ingabire’s leadership, RICTA has become a driving force in Rwanda’s digital transformation. Her expertise in ICT policy, digital inclusion, and her advocacy for innovation in Africa make her a powerful mentor for participants aiming to make a significant impact in their respective countries.

The Importance of Mentorship

Mentorship plays a critical role in the professional development of individuals, particularly in specialized fields like Internet governance and management as well as enhancement of digital infrastructure. These sessions are designed to provide participants with:

• Guidance from Industry Leaders: Participants have the unique opportunity to learn directly from some of the most influential leaders in Africa’s digital landscape. This guidance is essential for navigating the complexities of ccTLD management and Internet governance.
• Practical Insights and Best Practices: Mentors share their knowledge of industry best practices, offering practical advice on overcoming challenges and implementing successful strategies within the participants’ organizations.
• Networking and Collaboration: These sessions also encourages participants to build connections with their peers and mentors. This network is invaluable for sharing resources, ideas, and support as they continue their professional journeys.

Expected Outcomes

The mentorship sessions aim to carry out individualized monitoring of participants’ appropriation of the content from the two-training sessions that have been conducted, one on Business and Marketing and the other on Technical skills. The sessions will also focus on gauging their ability to implement the skills gained or their ability to plan their implementation. Each ccTLD is set to benefit from at least three (3) to four (4) coaching sessions.

Participants will also gain a deeper understanding of the strategic approaches needed to drive growth and sustainability in their ccTLDs which channels to their digital ecosystems. By learning from seasoned professionals, participants will develop stronger leadership capabilities, enabling them to make informed decisions that positively impact their registries.

Conclusion

Ultimately, these mentorship sessions are expected to contribute to the broader goal of digital transformation across Africa. By empowering ccTLD professionals, we are helping to lay the foundation for a more connected, inclusive, and prosperous digital Africa.