Youth unemployment remains a critical challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2023, the region’s NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) rate stood at 21.9%, surpassing the global average of 20.4%. Gender disparities further compound this issue, with young women experiencing a significantly higher NEET rate of 27% compared to 16.9% for men—three in five NEETs are female.
Additionally, job quality is a persistent concern; 72% of young adult workers aged 25–29 are in insecure employment, often informal or low-paying.
The HEDDA Diplomatic Career Mentorship Center, founded by Hope Ayabina, offers a pathway to address these structural issues. By bridging the gap between education and meaningful employment, HEDDA equips young Africans with practical career skills and exposes them to global opportunities. This initiative not only empowers youth to secure stable jobs but also reshapes global narratives about Africa’s potential. With appropriate scaling and policy support, models like HEDDA could significantly reduce NEET rates and foster economic inclusion.
Hope Ayabina’s upbringing in Kaduna and Jos, northern Nigeria, laid the foundation for her life’s work. Her father, a World Bank trainer, modelled a life of service, frequently travelling to remote villages to assist missionaries. “Seeing everyone as unique and realising there’s something special about everyone shaped me,” she recalls.
These formative experiences inspired Hope’s passion for helping others discover their uniqueness, particularly in their careers. Accompanying her family to grassroots communities instilled in her a deep understanding of local needs, compassion, and a drive to create impactful change.
HEDDA’s journey began in 2017 with Beautiful Hands Limited, a home-management training programme for househelps. Hope aimed to bridge skill gaps in basic home management tasks. By 2020, her vision expanded, pivoting to career mentorship in diplomacy. Her experiences with ECOWAS and embassies revealed a critical need for practical guidance in international relations. “Many graduates have the theory but lack understanding of career paths in diplomacy,” she explains.
The HEDDA Diplomatic Career Mentorship Center became the flagship program under Beautiful Hands Limited. It focuses on equipping aspiring diplomats with career guidance and practical tools for success in international relations and diplomacy. Through thematic mentorships in cultural diplomacy, political affairs, and economic administration, the centre prepares mentees for roles in embassies and global organisations.
A Multifaceted Organization
HEDDA’s impact extends beyond diplomacy. Its Humanitarian Assistance Center supports vulnerable communities, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), widows, and orphans, by focusing on skill development and financial empowerment. The organisation also includes HEDDA’s Beautiful Homes, a budding real estate and interior decoration initiative, and HEDDA Hills Home, which addresses broader social and economic development.
Revenue from these programs supports the HEDDA Fund, a charitable reserve that backs humanitarian activities and provides a safety net for vulnerable populations. This holistic approach aligns with Hope’s mission to uplift individuals and communities by unlocking their potential.
Diplomacy is often romanticised as grand state dinners and high-level negotiations, but HEDDA demystifies it by breaking careers into specific sectors like economic affairs, cultural diplomacy, and consular services. “We help mentees discover unique career paths,” Hope says. The program includes mentorship on CV building, cover letter writing and embassy role preparation.
HEDDA’s thematic mentorship programs stand out, connecting participants with diplomats, ambassadors, and international relations experts. The “Diplomatica” series features ambassadorial talks that provide first-hand insights into global diplomacy. Since its inception, HEDDA has mentored over 2,000 individuals, many of whom now work in embassies and international organisations. “One mentee almost lost his job because he didn’t think he needed advice,” Hope shares. “Now he calls for guidance every step of the way.”
The Africa Reimaginator
Hope identifies as “Africa’s Reimaginator,” advocating for a shift in the continent’s narrative from dependency to leadership. “Africa is unique,” she declares. “Through well-trained diplomats, we can project a new image of Africa to the world—not as underdeveloped, but as a land of potential.”
HEDDA’s programmes emphasise cultural diplomacy and leadership development, preparing young Africans to represent their continent with authenticity and confidence. “We’re building a new crop of diplomats who will make the world see Africa differently,” Hope asserts. Changing global perceptions starts with Africans embracing their own culture and uniqueness. “Our strength lies in projecting our identity, not copying the West,” she emphasises.
In November 2024, HEDDA hosted its inaugural Diplomatic Career Conference in Abuja, attended by ambassadors and high commissioners from Namibia, Australia, Bangladesh, and Nigeria. With the theme “Building a Stronger Africa through Diplomacy,” the event highlighted the continent’s untapped potential and fostered collaboration. “It was our first outing, and it was a success,” Hope says proudly. Plans for future conferences aim to involve more African nations and organisations like the UN.
HEDDA’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Convincing students and lecturers of mentorship’s value, battling internet issues, and navigating affordability concerns are ongoing challenges. Programs range from ₦35,000 to ₦70,000, with installment payment options available to ensure accessibility. “Many students think diplomacy ends in the classroom,” Hope observes. HEDDA bridges this gap through university outreach and workshops, introducing young minds to international career opportunities.
Why Mentorship Matters
For Hope, mentorship is essential. “Starting a career without guidance is like navigating in the dark,” she says. HEDDA’s practical approach equips mentees with skills to draft compelling applications, excel in interviews, and navigate workplace dynamics. Hope’s personal struggles in the early days of her career fuel her commitment to making mentorship accessible. “I had no mentor when I started,” she recalls. “Everything I learned was on the job, and it was tough.”
HEDDA also fosters relationship-building, connecting participants with professionals for real-world advice and support. Hope’s vision for African diplomats leading with authenticity and confidence is a testament to what’s possible when one person dreams big—not just for themselves but for an entire continent.
Hope’s future plans for HEDDA include expanding its reach to rural communities and partnering with global institutions. Her ultimate goal? To see African diplomats not just participating but thriving on the global stage. “Africa is the safe haven of the future,” she declares. “And it’s time the world sees it.”
Youth unemployment in sub-Saharan Africa remains a critical issue, with the NEET rate at 21.9%, above the global average of 20.4%. Gender disparities exacerbate this problem, as young women face a 27% NEET rate compared to 16.9% for men. A significant 72% of young adult workers are in insecure jobs. The HEDDA Diplomatic Career Mentorship Center, founded by Hope Ayabina, addresses these challenges by providing career mentorship and practical skills to young Africans, aiming to reduce NEET rates and enhance economic inclusion.
Hope's background in Kaduna and Jos, Nigeria, and her father's influence as a World Bank trainer instilled in her a passion for service and helping others discover their unique strengths. HEDDA, evolving from a home-management program, now focuses on diplomacy career mentorship, offering guidance in cultural diplomacy, political affairs, and economic administration. HEDDA not only equips individuals for roles in embassies and global organizations but also supports vulnerable communities through its Humanitarian Assistance Center, Beautiful Homes initiative, and HEDDA Fund.
HEDDA emphasizes the importance of mentorship and authentic representation of Africa. Through thematic programs and initiatives like the Diplomatic Career Conference, it fosters leadership and cultural diplomacy, aiming to reshape global perceptions of Africa. Despite challenges like affordability and connectivity, HEDDA remains committed to preparing a new generation of African diplomats.
Hope envisions an expanded reach for HEDDA, partnering with global institutions to ensure African diplomats thrive in international fields. Her ultimate goal is for the world to recognize Africa as a land of potential, with diplomats leading with authenticity and confidence.
