The Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs joined stakeholders at the University of Botswana on Friday morning for the official launch of the Youth Investors Hub (YIH) ecosystem, marking an important step towards empowering young people through entrepreneurship, innovation and skills development. The event officially introduced the YIH ecosystem, activated its implementation partners, launched the first call for applications and signaled the start of the 2026 pilot rollout. Representatives from government, academia, development partners and the private sector gathered to celebrate a shared vision of creating more opportunities for Botswana’s youth. The launch reflected a growing commitment to equipping young people with the tools, knowledge and networks needed to succeed in a rapidly changing economy. By bringing together multiple partners under one initiative, the Youth Investors Hub aims to create an environment where innovation can thrive and youth-led businesses can grow.
Speaking during the launch, YIH Co-founder and Operations Lead Ms. Thamia Maleme explained that the Youth Investors Hub is a youth-led ecosystem designed to address unemployment by promoting entrepreneurship and improving employability. She said the programme places a strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence and innovation, recognising that these fields will play a major role in shaping the future economy. According to Ms. Maleme, the ecosystem brings together a diverse network of partners, including UniPod, the Orange Digital Center and the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship, to create meaningful opportunities for young people. She noted that collaboration among these organisations will allow participants to access resources, mentorship and support that would otherwise be difficult to obtain individually. Her remarks highlighted the importance of building partnerships that connect education, technology and business development to prepare youth for future careers.
Ms. Maleme also explained that the Youth Investors Hub has been designed to serve young people at different stages of their educational and professional journeys. The programme is open to participants from secondary schools, tertiary institutions, industry and enterprise development, ensuring that aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators can access support regardless of where they are in their careers. This inclusive approach aims to identify promising ideas early while continuing to nurture talent as young people move into higher education and the business world. By providing a structured pathway from education to entrepreneurship, the initiative seeks to help participants transform innovative ideas into practical solutions with real economic value. The launch of the first call for applications marks the beginning of this process and offers young people an opportunity to become part of Botswana’s growing innovation ecosystem.
Delivering the keynote address, Ms. Yolinda Baletwa focused on the important role that mentorship plays in helping innovators succeed. She explained that mentors help entrepreneurs remain accountable, stay focused on their goals and make informed decisions throughout their journey. Beyond providing technical advice, mentors also build confidence, encourage personal growth and offer valuable emotional support during challenging periods. Ms. Baletwa emphasised that mentorship also creates opportunities for networking, allowing young innovators to connect with experienced professionals, investors and industry leaders who can help them expand their ideas. She concluded by encouraging young people to prioritise both their mental well-being and their spiritual lives, reminding participants that maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle is essential for long-term success in entrepreneurship and innovation.
UniPod representative Mr. Tebogo Ketshabile also addressed attendees, explaining the role that UniPod plays in supporting innovation at the University of Botswana. He described UniPod as an innovation initiative supported by the United Nations in Africa that works to help young innovators develop practical solutions to real-world challenges. Mr. Ketshabile observed that many African countries consistently produce creative ideas and innovative concepts, yet often struggle to commercialise those innovations or introduce them successfully to global markets. He said UniPod and the Youth Investors Hub share a common vision of empowering young innovators to transform ideas into impactful products and services that contribute to Botswana’s development. Expressing optimism for the future, he said he hopes the country will one day look back and clearly recognise the significant contribution that its young innovators have made toward national progress and economic growth.
The official launch also demonstrated the importance of collaboration between government institutions, universities, innovation centres and development partners in addressing youth unemployment. By combining expertise from different sectors, the Youth Investors Hub aims to provide participants with practical training, mentorship, business development support and access to valuable professional networks. Initiatives such as this recognise that solving unemployment requires more than job creation alone. They also focus on equipping young people with entrepreneurial skills that allow them to create opportunities for themselves and others. This broader approach supports national development while encouraging a culture of innovation and problem-solving among Botswana’s youth.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Maleme thanked participants, partners and supporters for contributing to the successful launch of the Youth Investors Hub ecosystem. She announced that another gathering will be held in four months to share the outcomes of the YIH programme and provide updates on the progress made during the pilot phase. She also encouraged young people to follow the organisation’s social media platforms to stay informed about application opportunities, eligibility requirements and future programme developments. The launch represents the beginning of what organisers hope will become a transformative platform for youth entrepreneurship and innovation across Botswana. With strong partnerships, a focus on emerging technologies and a commitment to nurturing young talent, the Youth Investors Hub has the potential to help shape a new generation of entrepreneurs whose ideas will contribute meaningfully to the country’s social and economic development.
