How do you define yourself? I am pragmatic – I always focus on scalability and sustainability. I am a very honest mentor. I don’t like wasting time and I don’t like my time being wasted. If you want a straightforward mentor, then that’s me. I always tell my mentees what they have done wrong, but also what they need to do to get it right. Why do you mentor tech start-ups? I mentor tech start-ups because most of them are not business people and don’t know how to make money with their innovations. As a business woman, I like new product that I can sell and that can changes lives. My determination in helping and spending time with them comes from my wish to see growth in African SMEs. Africa is my focus. Why did you become part of the Young Innovators Competition? I became a mentor because I am very passionate about helping young entrepreneurs around the world. I am attracted to this programme as it has the potential to help many people and ultimately change their lives. Mariéme Jamme is a London-based CEO, technologist and social entrepreneur with a passionate commitment to helping empower her fellow Africans through education, leadership, social entrepreneurship and economic development. She is currently the CEO of SpotOne Global Solutions, a UK based company that helps IT organizations gain a foothold in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. She recently founded Iconscience, a think tank uniting business experts and like-minded individuals in a friendly atmosphere to brainstorm ethical scenarios for sustainable business, social, technological and environmental development in Africa. Mariéme Jamme Mentor 46 InnovationSpace: Young Innovators