Why access to quality education and mentorship networks are key for cultivating talent for sustainable impact

Potential is a powerful word. It speaks of promise, of possibility, of the greatness that could be. But potential, left unattended, remains a dormant seed. We have all encountered young people with a spark in their eyes and dreams in their hearts, only for those dreams to fade because they lacked the support, resources, or encouragement to grow. To truly transform our societies, we must move beyond potential we must cultivate talent with intention, consistency, and vision.

This cultivation begins with recognising that talent is diverse and often unexpected. It resides in classrooms and farms, in art studios and coding hubs, in sports fields and science labs. It can be found in the young girl in rural Kenya building simple robots from scrap metal, the farmer experimenting with climate-smart agriculture, the poet whose words inspire change, and the tech innovator designing solutions for local challenges. Our role as leaders, mentors, and changemakers is to create environments where such talent can not only emerge but also thrive. That means providing access to quality education, mentorship networks, platforms for exposure, and the tools needed to turn ideas into reality.

Yet, cultivating talent is not solely about technical expertise. It is also about values integrity, empathy, resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to community. Skills without values risk producing capacity without conscience. In every sector, we have seen how innovation without ethics can harm rather than heal. Sustainable impact is created when talented individuals use their abilities not just for personal gain, but for the greater good. This means embedding civic responsibility and empathy into our education systems, leadership programs, and workplace cultures.

Investment in talent must also be intentional and equitable. Too often, opportunities are concentrated in urban areas or in elite institutions, leaving rural communities and marginalized groups behind. We cannot afford to waste the potential of millions simply because they were born far from the city or lack financial means. Policies must ensure that scholarships, internships, grants, and training programs reach those who need them most. Governments, private sector actors, and development partners all have a role to play in making talent development inclusive and far-reaching.

There are inspiring examples across the continent. In Rwanda, coding bootcamps are equipping young people many of them women with digital skills that lead to global employment opportunities. In Nigeria, agricultural accelerators are helping youth turn subsistence farming into scalable agribusinesses. In Kenya, community libraries with internet access are becoming hubs of research, collaboration, and innovation. These initiatives remind us that when we invest in talent, we unlock not only individual success stories but also economic growth and social transformation.

As we look ahead, the urgency to cultivate talent has never been greater. Climate change is threatening livelihoods and demanding innovative solutions in energy, water, and food systems. Technological disruption is reshaping industries and creating entirely new job markets that require adaptable, lifelong learners. Global health challenges remind us of the need for scientists, policymakers, and community health workers who can respond quickly and effectively. The question is not whether we have the potential to meet these challenges, but whether we will nurture the talent required to do so.

The process requires collaboration across sectors. Schools must be supported to move beyond rote learning to foster critical thinking and creativity. Businesses must commit to internships and apprenticeships that give young people real-world experience. Media must highlight success stories and role models who can inspire the next generation. Civil society must advocate for policies that protect and promote equal opportunity. And as individuals, we must each ask: who am I mentoring, supporting, or encouraging today?

Beyond potential lies the power to change the world but only if we choose to cultivate it. Every hour spent mentoring a young person, every shilling invested in training programs, every policy passed to widen access, and every platform created to showcase emerging talent adds to a collective movement. This movement is not about charity; it is about building the human capital that will determine whether our societies flourish or falter.

Let us, therefore, invest in that journey not just for the sake of our youth, but for the generations yet to come. Let us commit to a future where no potential goes untapped, where talent is recognized and nurtured wherever it is found, and where skills and values work hand in hand to build communities that are resilient, inclusive, and prosperous. The seed of potential is already planted in every child, every innovator, every dreamer. Our task is to ensure that the soil is rich, the environment is supportive, and the light of opportunity reaches them all.

The writer is the Communications and Public Affairs Director, Huawei Kenya