Sisedi Investment Group hosted its inaugural Mentor and Mentee Matching – Speed Mentoring event in Windhoek.
The initiative follows the successful launch of the Sisedi Mentorship Programme in October 2024, aimed at empowering female Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) registered students.
“At Sisedi Investment Group, we believe in creating opportunities that empower our young women and reshape the financial landscape of Namibia,” said Hertha !Gontes, CEO of Sisedi Investment Group.
“Our mentorship programme is more than just academic support; it is about practical, real-world guidance that prepares our mentees to make significant contributions to the investment sector.”
The event saw the participation of 15 mentees, selected from over 50 applications, paired with 15 qualified Namibian finance professionals from various sectors to best align the mentees and mentors through a series of speed mentoring and discussions, ensuring a well-suited and productive mentorship relationship.
“CFA has a comprehensive curriculum and practical implementation of the investment management concept. There are no other qualifications that come close in depth and coverage, hence its continued appeal to upcoming and investment professionals,” said Estelle Tjipuka, Author and Executive Coach, who facilitated the event.
Nerina Visser (CFA), a current mentor for CFA Society South Africa and former Chairperson, says one of the most rewarding roles she has played is being a mentor.
“I have been a mentor to young CFA charterholders and aspiring charterholder candidates for more than 10 years. Mentorship is not about trying to solve problems for your mentees. It is really about being their guide on a journey of self-discovery,” she said.
Ndafika Munyama, a mentee of the programme, said, “This programme is a game-changer for me. The opportunity to learn directly from experienced professionals in the field is invaluable. I am looking forward to growing both professionally and personally through this mentorship.”
As of 2024, Namibia has only 34 CFA holders, and the mentorship programme aims to increase this number, offering valuable opportunities for Namibia’s youth to secure their place in the financial industry.