The Vice President and Minister of Finance, Mr. Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, has called on investors to support and mentor emerging entrepreneurs, highlighting their role in achieving the objectives of the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP).
Delivering a keynote address at a demo presentation session hosted by MIT Kuo Sharper Centre for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship in collaboration with the Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH), Mr. Gaolathe emphasized that young people are not merely participants in global economic dialogue, but active contributors shaping Botswana’s future. He said nurturing youth entrepreneurship is key to realizing sustainable national economic goals.
“Our wealth has never been our diamonds. It has always been and continues to be our people. When we invest in them through mentorship and collaboration, we unleash an energy that multiplies opportunity across every sector,” Mr. Gaolathe said.
Debswana Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Koolatotse Koolatotse, supported the Vice President’s vision, stressing the risks of over-reliance on a single commodity for national revenue. He said the initiative offers a platform to develop skills, export globally competitive products and services, and build economic resilience.
The event featured selected startup innovators presenting solutions to a panel of judges and potential investors. Projects spanned bio-sciences, smart agriculture, and public transportation, reflecting the potential for innovation to drive Botswana’s diversification agenda.
The Vice President’s call reinforces Botswana’s focus on human capital and innovation as pillars of economic transformation. By encouraging mentorship and investment in youth-led enterprises, the government aims to create sustainable employment, expand global competitiveness, and reduce reliance on the diamond sector.
The initiative demonstrates a strategic approach to economic growth, positioning young innovators as key drivers of Botswana’s future prosperity.
