CMP Batch Nine: Another Step Forward for African Comms professional
Hello Comms Superstars,
Last weekend, we concluded the Ninth batch of our Comms Mentoring Programme (CMP) and today, we want to run you through the journey.
Some weeks ago, we welcomed 71 mentees and 50 mentors into another edition of The CMP. Today, we are celebrating the completion of eight weeks of learning, growth, encouragement, and meaningful conversations.
When people think about mentorship programmes, they often think about career advice. While that is certainly part of the experience, mentorship is often much bigger than that. It’s about relationship-building and expanding of minds, it is exposure to a world beyond yours through intentional conversation and other experiences.
Since the first batch of the CMP in 2020, senior professionals across the continent have committed to the growth of young African professionals, building their confidence and impacting their career trajectory.
These professionals from different countries, backgrounds, and career stages come together with a shared commitment to learning and growth. To be honest, the CMP cannot run without them.
Over the past eight weeks, our mentees participated in six learning sessions designed to support both their professional growth and career development.
Together, we explored topics such as the mindset of a strategic communicator, effective strategic communication, CV building and career readiness, and how to position yourself for opportunities and the right role. We also hosted career conversations where experienced professionals shared honest reflections on their journeys, including the wins, the challenges, and the lessons they wish they had learned earlier.
One of the highlights of the programme was the opportunity for mentors and mentees from across the continent to connect during a dedicated networking session.
As the programme comes to a close, we are encouraged by the feedback shared by participants and inspired by the progress many have already begun to make.
The impact of mentorship rarely ends when a programme concludes. It continues to show in the decisions the mentees make, the opportunities they pursue, the confidence they gain, and the value they create wherever they work.
The growth of mentees from previous batches have blown us away! We’re excited to see even more.
To our mentors, thank you for giving your time, wisdom, and encouragement so generously.
To our mentees, thank you for showing up, asking questions, embracing the learning process, and committing to your growth.
We cannot wait to see where your journey takes you next.
Here’s A TCA Resource For The Weekend
In April, we partnered with Stanbic IBTC for a unique learning experience. During the Comms Leader Roundtable, we had a session on The Fundamentals and Best Practices in Corporate Communications.
How do you practically use strategic communications within your organisation? What is the true value of your role as a strategic communicator?
Learn all these and more in the YouTube video and share with a Comms professional in your network?.
Let’s Meet Our Community Member Of The Week
Hello TCA, my name is Whitney Speke. I am a Communications Associate at the Climate Smart Forest Economy Program.
Climate Smart Forest Economy Program CSFEP is a non-profit that focuses on establishing regenerative forest economies in the Global South. We’re currently based in East Africa and as the Comms Associate, it’s my role to correctly tell the stories of the impact our coalition members are having in regard to removing the roadblocks in the biobased economy ecosystem.
My comms superpower is campaign strategy. I live for planning exciting campaigns that align with the brand strategy and goals. I also love looking at analytics to see and understand our audience so as to better cater to their needs.
I am a dog momma of two. Tintin and Zoey. They are my jobless roomies with exceptionally high standards. I love working out, and making good food. Protein is a must have in this casa haha.
I am currenting reading black girls are Magic. Basically, that women especially black women, don’t necessarily have to overexert themselves to achieve a sense of accomplishment.
You can connect with me here on LinkedIn.
Let’s dive into our community updates!
Registration for the CIA masterclass on Development Communications closes today.
If you would like to build a successful career in Development Communications or learn what is needed to thrive as a Communications professional in the impact space, you need to sign up for this.
This June, we are offering a Development Communications Course as part of our CIA Specialist Masterclass series.
This course is designed to equip communicators in development, advocacy, donor relations, social impact, and community-focused programmes who want to work with more clarity, structure, and effectiveness.
Classes will be facilitated by seasoned Comms professionals with practical knowledge on the current development communications landscape.
Date: Saturday, 27 June and Saturday, 4 July 2026
Time: 9am - 3pm WAT
This is a virtual course that will take place on Zoom.
Register for the course here - bit.ly/CIASpecialistMasterclass
Catch the replay of our latest Linkedin Live on Strategic Communications in Development/ Impact organisations.
Last Wednesday, Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, went live Development Communications Strategist and Founder of AMIE facilitated masterclass on development communications right on our LinkedIn Live channel.
He will share practical lessons on how to translate programme results, field experiences, and data into stories that are human, relatable, and memorable.
If you missed it, you can catch the replay here - bit.ly/TCALive8
Would you like to partner with us?
Our vision is to raise and strengthen the standard of communications talent in Africa and build a strong community of communicators equipped to drive meaningful change across industries in Africa and globally.
So, we are open to more partnerships across our programmes to reach more comms professionals. Some of the programmes the Comms Leader Roundtable (CLR), trainings for organisations, programme sponsorships, and scholarship funding for our courses.
If you or your organisation is aligned with this vision, partner with us to make it happen - thecommsavenue.com/partner
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading from us. Have an amazing weekend.
Yours professionally,
The Comms Avenue