Ziguinchor, December 8th, 2025
The Abdul Samad Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) graduates a new set of Mentees at the closing ceremony of its mentorship program in the University Assane Seck, Ziguinchor, Senegal. This Francophone edition was designed to meet the personal, entrepreneurial, and career development opportunities for young women in the French speaking parts of Africa with the University of Assane Seck, Ziguinchor Senegal as its pilot. This edition represents a key milestone in ASR Africa’s ongoing efforts in empowering young women across the African continent with core skills for the future.
This program which started in Nigeria, has spanned to other African countries including the Zambia with many more African countries on the list for implementation in 2026. The program reinforces the opportunities for women’s empowerment delivered through the experiences of other women. It also acts as a cut-crossing tool that provides human capital and the networks needed to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The ASR Africa mentorship program goal specifically aligns to SDG Goals 4, 8 and 17. The programme emphasizes quality education, multi layered skills building, purposeful and financially rewarding work and economic growth choices as well as career development and strengthening partnerships that connect women from diverse backgrounds and geographic locations for the overall empowerment of African girls and women.
Speaking at the event in Ziguinchor, Senegal, the MD CEO, Dr Ubon Udoh appreciated the management and staff of the University for incorporating the Mentorship program into the institution’s academic program. He extolled the dedication of the mentors who invested in the development of these young women especially Madames Cathy Latiwa and Clotilde Monguya. Dr Udoh mentioned that none of these achievements would have been possible without the visionary leadership of Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Chairman of ASR Africa whose commitment to the development of Africa includes a strategic approach that combines both Infrastructure and human capital development driven through strategic partnerships.
During the Welcome remark delivered, Dr Smaila Sene, the program coordinator at the University Assane Seck, mentioned that the University was proud of the Mentorship program being delivered by ASR Africa especially as it aligns with the University’s Entrepreneurial programs. He extended his gratitude to ASR Africa for considering the young women in Ziguinchor.
The program, which was conducted within three mentees, provided the mentees with an opportunity to engage during the interactive sessions, seek clarity on real-life scenarios and provide feedback on given tasks. Sessions conducted included career planning, time management, innovation strategies, amidst other entrepreneurial and professional development modules. The program’s broader impact is expected to extend into their communities as mentees apply their knowledge to drive meaningful change.
ABOUT ASR AFRICA
The brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist, and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education, and Social Development within Africa.
