Coaching with Purpose: A Journey of Shared Growth and Possibility

” Mohamed is an ALA alumni entry class of 2011 and is one of three coaches who worked with the AL for the Agribusiness Network Co-Creation Fund program in 2025.” 

From February to August 2025, I had the opportunity to coach two amazing teams: Eco Agro Solutions and Favour Giants, through the AL for Agribusiness Co-Creation Fund program. What started as a coaching assignment quickly turned into something much more meaningful. It became a space of shared growth, learning, and real connection.

One of the most fulfilling moments of this journey happened during our May 2nd coaching session. It was encouraging to see both teams take the feedback from previous sessions seriously and begin to apply it thoughtfully. That moment showed the real power of mentorship when it’s done with intention and care.

Favour Giants stood out by taking their rabbit farming project to the next level. They built brand visibility, engaged their community meaningfully, and validated demand for rabbit meat and its by-products. Watching their marketing efforts and customer traction grow was a big win, not just for them but for me too, as someone who once ran a rabbit venture.

For Eco Agro Solutions, the journey unfolded steadily with real progress along the way. From refining their farmer segments to understanding their production costs, and adjusting their product through pilot testing, their growth has been intentional and grounded. By June and July 2025, they were not only learning from the field but also making informed pivots that showed their commitment to creating real value for farmers. I deeply respect how they stayed consistent and coachable throughout the process.

This experience reminded me that coaching is not about transferring knowledge. It’s not about coming in with all the answers. It’s a two-way exchange, where both the coach and the team grow in the process. Sometimes the very people you’re guiding end up teaching you something new.

Take Favour Giants for example. As someone who once led Adimu Rabbits, watching them succeed in the Kenyan market made me reflect. Just because my venture didn’t scale in Tanzania doesn’t mean the model doesn’t work. Their progress has pushed me to reimagine what’s possible in this space. And that, for me, is one of the most powerful lessons of this journey.

I’ve also learned that sharing openly and generously, both the wins and the failures, helps young entrepreneurs move faster. But even more importantly, it brings new clarity to my own journey as I look back with fresh eyes and see what worked, what didn’t, and why.

A few insights that stood out for me:

· Coaching is more impactful when mentors have lived experience that matches what the teams are trying to build. My experience with rabbit farming helped Favour Giants avoid common mistakes and take bold steps forward.

· One-on-one coaching sessions matter. While classes and workshops have their place, it’s in those direct, focused sessions where real breakthroughs happen. You get to respond to their specific needs, not general assumptions.

· Bringing teams together occasionally creates a sense of community and peer motivation. In our joint sessions, teams could see each other’s progress and learn indirectly through honest conversations and shared feedback.

· Monthly sessions built in natural accountability. The teams knew they had to reflect, implement, and report back, which gave them structure and momentum.

I also want to take this moment to thank the incredible AL for Agribusiness team for their tremendous support throughout this journey. Their coordination, presence, and responsiveness made this short program impactful in ways that go beyond the calls and check-ins. My appreciation also goes to ALA for continuing to build platforms that empower entrepreneurs, and to the Small Foundation, whose partnership with the network made this entire experience possible.

As we wrap up, I leave with this quote that speaks deeply to what this experience has taught me: “The best way to learn is to teach. The best way to grow is to grow with others.”

To all the young entrepreneurs out there, keep building, stay curious, and remember that your journey, no matter how small it starts, matters