The Anangwe Mentorship Program (TheAMP) has graduated its first cohort of the Becoming Series, completing a practical programme designed to help young journalists, presenters, storytellers and content creators build careers in media.
Founded by media executive Eugene Anangwe, TheAMP combines mentorship with hands-on experience at East Africa Media Group (EAMG), where mentees are exposed to television, radio and digital content production.
The first cohort concluded with a certificate ceremony attended by graduates and members of the EAMG team.
From Training to Confidence
For the graduates, the programme was about more than learning media skills. One mentee said the experience helped her overcome her fear of public speaking and gave her the confidence to host events and pursue her own podcast.
“It has given me confidence that I can stand in front of people. Even if I have nothing to say, I always have a way to express myself.”
Another graduate has moved into professional media work as a writer and presenter, while others are developing personal projects in storytelling, events and digital content.
For TheAMP, these transitions are part of the programme’s purpose: helping young people turn practical training into real-world opportunities.
Learning From Anangwe’s Journey
Anangwe’s own career experience is central to the programme.
Having worked across broadcasting, journalism, entertainment and media leadership, he told the graduates not to define themselves too narrowly at the beginning of their careers.
“At your age, do and learn as much as you can. Don’t limit yourself.”
He encouraged mentees to explore different roles before identifying where their strengths and interests lie. He also stressed the importance of becoming versatile as media organisations increasingly look for professionals who can combine skills such as presenting, writing, interviewing, recording and editing.
EAMG as the Training Ground
EAMG provides the practical environment where TheAMP’s lessons are put into action. Mentees work alongside media professionals and gain exposure to real production workflows across EAMG TV and EAMG Radio, while members of the wider team are encouraged to mentor new cohorts.
Anangwe also told graduates that EAMG would remain a place they could return to for professional support, including access to production spaces for their own projects.
“This place is home. If you need to record those podcasts, you need space, you need any support, this is for all of you.”
Building Networks and Staying Visible
Networking and personal visibility were also major lessons from the programme.
Anangwe advised graduates to approach professional relationships by first considering the value they can offer, rather than simply asking what someone can do for them.
He also urged them to remain consistent online and develop a recognisable identity.
“You need to find something. What is it that has stuck on people?”
For young creators, he said, consistency must ultimately be matched by value because audiences choose where to spend their limited time and attention.
More Than a Certificate
TheAMP’s goal extends beyond preparing graduates for jobs at EAMG. Anangwe said the programme is intended to develop a new generation of African journalists, communication professionals and storytellers who can work across the continent and globally.
“We want to release you to actually go and serve the continent and the world.”
The graduation of the first Becoming Series cohort therefore marks the beginning of a continuing relationship between the mentees, Anangwe and EAMG.
As new cohorts enter the programme, the first graduates become part of a growing community expected to share knowledge, build careers and eventually mentor those who follow.
