Mentor Guide

Everything you need to know about mentoring the next generation of Zimbabwean entrepreneurs through Mazano Hub.

2 Hours / Month 6-Month Commitment Remote or In-Person No Cost to You
6
month commitment
2
hours per month
1:1
mentor-mentee pairing
90
min onboarding session

Why Mentor with Mazano

01

Direct Impact

Your guidance directly shapes a real business. Watch your mentee go from idea to revenue, from uncertainty to confidence. This isn't theoretical — it's hands-on.

02

Structured Framework

We handle matching, scheduling, and progress tracking. You show up prepared with conversation guides, milestone templates, and program coordinator support.

03

Diaspora Bridge

Connect your global experience with Zimbabwe's emerging market. Help founders navigate challenges you've already solved — and learn from their local insights.

04

Recognition & Community

Featured on mazano.org, social media, and annual reports. Certificate of appreciation. Join a mentors-only community of fellow diaspora professionals giving back.

Your Mentorship Journey

Phase 1

Onboarding

90-minute orientation on Zimbabwe's business environment, Mazano's program structure, and mentorship best practices. Meet your mentee.

Month 1-2

Foundation Building

Establish rapport, understand your mentee's business, set clear goals. Focus on business model validation and early-stage strategy.

Month 3-4

Growth & Execution

Shift from strategy to execution. Help your mentee navigate customer acquisition, operations, and early revenue challenges.

Month 5

Scaling Preparation

Refine the business model, explore funding options, build investor-ready materials. Connect your mentee to your network.

Month 6

Demo Day & Transition

Support pitch preparation, celebrate progress, and plan for continued growth. Option to extend the relationship informally.

Ongoing

Alumni Network

Stay connected through the mentor community. Opportunities to mentor future cohorts, speak at events, or advise on program design.

What We Expect From You

Biweekly 45-Min Calls

One structured call every two weeks, plus async check-ins via WhatsApp or email between sessions

Come Prepared

Review your mentee's progress updates before each call. We send you a brief ahead of each session

Share Honestly

Your value is in real-world experience. Share your failures as much as your wins — that's what founders need most

Respect the Relationship

Maintain confidentiality. Honor scheduled commitments. Communicate early if you need to reschedule

Quarterly Feedback

Complete a brief quarterly report on your mentee's progress. Takes 10 minutes — helps us measure impact

Open Your Network

When appropriate, introduce your mentee to relevant contacts, potential customers, or industry peers

A Typical Month

Week 1

Structured Call

45-min video call. Review progress, address blockers, set priorities

Week 2

Async Check-In

Quick message exchange. Answer questions, share a resource or contact

Week 3

Structured Call

45-min video call. Deep-dive on a specific challenge or opportunity

Week 4

Progress Note

Mentee sends update. You review and respond with brief feedback

Common Questions

Do I need mentoring experience?

No. What matters is your professional expertise and willingness to share it. We provide an onboarding session, conversation guides, and a program coordinator to support you throughout.

How are mentors and mentees matched?

We match based on industry expertise, business stage, and specific challenges the mentee is facing. You'll receive a mentee profile before your first call, and both parties can request a rematch if the fit isn't right.

What if I can't make a scheduled call?

Life happens. Let us know 24 hours in advance and we'll reschedule. We ask that you don't cancel more than twice in a 6-month cycle — consistency is critical for your mentee's progress.

Can I mentor remotely?

Absolutely. Most of our mentors are diaspora professionals mentoring remotely via video call. We use Zoom or Google Meet, and all sessions are scheduled around your timezone.

What happens after 6 months?

The formal program ends, but many mentor-mentee relationships continue informally. You can also opt in for the next cohort, mentor a different founder, or take an advisory role.

Your Experience Can Build a Business

Mentor recruitment opens Q4 2026. 2 hours a month. 6 months. One founder's trajectory changed.

You've built the career, made the mistakes, and learned the lessons. Now pass it on to a founder who needs exactly what you know.

Apply to Be a Mentor