How Tech Mentorship Can Shape Africa’s Next Generation of Product Designers

By Uzoamaka Ogochukwu Emeh

Technology is reshaping every facet of our lives, and Africa is no exception. As the continent embraces digital transformation, the demand for skilled product designers has never been greater. Yet, despite the immense potential, many young Africans face barriers to accessing the mentorship and practical training needed to thrive in this space.

My journey into technology began with a spark of curiosity, nurtured by a supportive father who prioritised education and life skills. That support, though rare for many, became the foundation of my career as a UX/UI designer and the CEO of Brandwone ICT Solutions, a tech training and development company I co-founded to fill the skills gap for young Africans. Through structured mentorship, I’ve had the privilege of guiding aspiring designers to realise their potential and shape their futures.

Mentorship is not just about teaching skills; it’s about fostering confidence, nurturing creativity, and creating pathways for innovation. Here’s how mentorship is shaping Africa’s next generation of product designers—and why it holds the key to unlocking the continent’s full potential.

The Transformative Power of Mentorship

Mentorship can be the bridge that connects raw talent with real opportunities. I’ve seen this transformation firsthand through the young designers I’ve mentored at Brandwone ICT Solutions.

One story that stands out is that of Morah Chizoba, a driven young woman from Port Harcourt. When Morah joined our training program, she had a natural flair for creativity but lacked the technical skills and direction to turn her ideas into reality. Through one-on-one mentorship and hands-on training, she gained expertise in frontend engineering and digital design. Today, she is the co-founder and managing director of Greenny Solutions, a thriving tech startup that helps businesses establish a strong digital presence. Morah’s journey from a mentee to a successful entrepreneur showcases the ripple effect of mentorship, it doesn’t just change one life; it creates a chain reaction of impact.

Another inspiring example is Ibrahim Musa, a young man from Kaduna who came to Brandwone with no prior knowledge of product design. Over the course of several months, he developed a deep understanding of user experience principles, prototyping, and interface design. Ibrahim is now a UX designer at a leading Nigerian tech company, where his innovative solutions are driving customer engagement and satisfaction.

These success stories are a testament to the fact that when young people are equipped with the right guidance and resources, their potential is boundless.

Closing the Skills Gap

Africa’s tech industry is growing rapidly, yet the skills gap remains a significant challenge. Many young people are passionate about technology but lack access to quality training and mentorship. This gap inspired the creation of Brandwone ICT Solutions in 2020, with a mission to make tech education accessible and practical for everyone.

Our programs go beyond theoretical learning. We immerse participants in real-world projects, teaching them to design products that solve practical problems. From sketching and wireframing to rapid prototyping and user research, we ensure that our trainees are equipped to meet industry demands.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we partnered with the Young Engineer Entrepreneurship Club (YEEC Africa) to train 2,000 youths in ICT and software development. This initiative kept young people engaged and productive during a challenging time, while also equipping them with in-demand skills. Many of these trainees have gone on to build innovative projects, secure jobs in tech, and even start their own businesses.

A Focus on Human-Centred Design

One of the core principles we emphasise at Brandwone is the importance of human-centred design. As a UX/UI designer, I’ve learned that successful products are those that prioritise the user experience. This philosophy has shaped not only my work but also the way I mentor others.

When I worked with DigiTebl, an India-based startup, I led the redesign of their restaurant automation system. The project involved conducting user research, prototyping, and testing to ensure the platform met the needs of both restaurant owners and diners. The result? A 45% increase in client sign-ups and a product that truly served its users.

At Brandwone, we teach our trainees to adopt a similar mindset. They learn to approach design problems from the user’s perspective, ensuring that their solutions are not just functional but also intuitive and impactful. This approach not only prepares them for successful careers but also instils a sense of purpose and responsibility in their work.

Collaboration as a Catalyst for Growth

Collaboration is another pillar of our mentorship approach. By partnering with local organisations and international platforms, we’ve been able to amplify our impact and reach more young people. For example, our summer tech camps for children introduce the next generation to the world of design and coding in a fun, engaging way.

We’ve also worked to bridge the digital divide by developing offline-compatible training materials for underserved communities. This initiative has enabled us to reach students in rural areas, where internet access is limited, ensuring that no one is left behind.

The future of Africa’s tech industry depends on its ability to nurture and retain talent. By investing in mentorship and skills development, we can create a pipeline of innovators who will drive the continent’s digital transformation.

At Brandwone, our vision is to expand our reach, introduce advanced training programs, and continue empowering young Africans to excel in tech. The goal is not just to create skilled designers but to build a community of changemakers who will shape the future of technology in Africa and beyond.

Mentorship is more than just a transfer of knowledge, it’s a powerful tool for empowerment and transformation. By guiding young people to discover their potential, we’re not only shaping the next generation of product designers but also contributing to a brighter future for Africa.

The stories of Morah, Ibrahim, and countless others remind us that when we invest in people, the returns are immeasurable. Africa’s youth are its greatest asset, and with the right support, they have the power to change the world.

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Uzoamaka Ogochukwu Emeh is a UX/UI designer and the co-founder of Brandwone ICT Solutions. She is passionate about mentoring young Africans in tech, with a focus on human-centred design and practical skills development. Uzoamaka has trained hundreds of individuals and continues to drive innovation and impact in the tech industry.