Teaming Up Sports Mentorship Program
African LeadHERs meet BAL4HER
About Teaming Up
The Teaming Up Sports Mentorship Program is a collaborative mentorship program established by the Basketball Africa League and Speak Up Africa to empower the next generation of female sports leaders. Currently in its third edition, the program connects aspiring African women with global executives to foster professional growth through skills development, personalized career planning, and networking opportunities. Mentees gain practical mentorship in specialized fields, while mentors contribute to gender equality and social responsibility within the African sports ecosystem.
Why Now
Across the continent, women remain significantly underrepresented in the institutions that shape Africa’s future — despite making up roughly half the population and a major share of the workforce. Sport is one of the clearest examples: valued at $2.3 billion in 2022 and growing fast, particularly in basketball, but its leadership hasn’t kept pace. Teaming Up builds the pipeline of women equipped to close that gap.
Why It Matters
Investing in women’s leadership is about representation leading to impact. Speak Up Africa is driven by the conviction that women and youth will drive the next wave of social and economic development across the continent. Women in leadership bring perspectives, priorities, and networks that shape institutions differently: research and experience consistently show they are more likely to invest in their communities, mentor those who follow them, and champion issues like health and education alongside their core mandate.
What the Program Delivers
1:1 Mentorship
Monthly meetings with a seasoned sports-industry executive in the mentee's area of interest.
Individual Development Planning
3–5 professional goals, personalized support, and ongoing progress reflection.
Skills-Development Modules
Sessions led by industry professionals on gender bias, leadership, networking, mental health, and personal branding.
Immersive Experiences
Travel to Speak Up Africa and BAL markets for hands-on professional exposure and networking opportunities.
Our Impact
Successful and scaled editions of the program
Mentees paired with global sports executives
African countries represented
Mentees reporting significant improvement in targeted leadership skills
Media mentions of the program
Mentees got promoted or received better professional opportunities
Social media impressions across BAL and Speak Up Africa platforms
Meet the Pairings
Three editions of mentors and mentees shaping the future of African sport.
