The Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs recently convened a Youth Development Fund (YDF) Loan Repayment Pitso in Lobatse, focusing on improving repayment performance and strengthening the long term sustainability of the revolving fund. The gathering brought together government officials, financial experts, business representatives, and beneficiaries of the fund to address challenges affecting loan recovery rates. The meeting highlighted growing concern over low repayment levels, which threaten the ability of the fund to continue supporting young entrepreneurs across Botswana. The Pitso also served as a platform for dialogue on accountability, financial discipline, and improved management of public resources. It reflected a broader government effort to ensure that youth empowerment programs remain effective and financially sustainable.
Opening the session, District Commissioner Mr. Mathe stressed that the purpose of the Pitso was to build a shared sense of responsibility among beneficiaries and stakeholders. He emphasized that the Youth Development Fund operates as a revolving scheme, meaning repayments are essential for new beneficiaries to access support. Mr. Mathe raised concern that although around P9 million had been disbursed through the fund, only about P500,000 had been recovered to date. He warned that such low repayment levels place pressure on the continuation of the program and limit opportunities for other young people. He further encouraged the development of structured repayment plans that can help beneficiaries meet their obligations in a more realistic and consistent manner.
The discussion also included technical input on procurement and tendering systems, delivered by Ms. Sekwati, a Procurement Officer. She explained how public procurement processes operate and why compliance is important in ensuring fairness and transparency in government-funded projects. Her presentation covered the different categories of tenders, including domestic bids that are reserved for 100 percent citizen owned companies. She also explained international bids, which are used in cases where specialized expertise is required that may not be readily available locally. The session helped attendees understand how procurement systems connect to broader economic participation and responsible business practices.
Financial innovation was also introduced during the Pitso through a presentation by Ms. Mosweu from First National Bank Lobatse. She introduced participants to the eWallet Pro service, which is designed to support businesses in managing money digitally. The platform allows users to reduce reliance on physical cash while improving transaction security and efficiency. It also enables business owners to track financial activity in real time using mobile devices, which supports better decision making and accountability. The introduction of digital financial tools was presented as a practical step toward modernizing how small businesses operate in Botswana.
The programme concluded with a motivational session by Dr. Jongman, a life coach who focused on financial responsibility and personal resilience. He spoke about the effects of financial instability on mental well being, decision making, and personal development. Dr. Jongman encouraged participants to practice honest self assessment by acknowledging their financial challenges rather than ignoring them. He emphasized that debt management requires discipline, consistency, and mental strength to overcome setbacks. The session ended with a call for attendees to identify their biggest obstacles and take active steps toward sustainable financial improvement.
