13 Oct 2015

Young entrepreneurs have been encouraged to be passionate about their businesses for them to flourish.  Speaking at a boot camp in Maun recently, a woman entrepreneur, Ms Noeline Ndaba, encouraged the youth to do a thorough market research before venturing into a business. 

The boot camp was organised by Botswana Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) also known as Mandela Fellowship. It was attended by 26 youth entrepreneurs. 

Another woman entrepreneur, Ms Chedza Siwawa, advised young business people to commit to their dream and not be swayed by challenges or negative commentary.

Ms Siwawa noted that it was crucial to delegate responsibility for any business to grow.

An artist and author, Mr Charles Kakomee, acknowledged that it was hard to start an enterprise due to lack of startup capital and other constraints in the country. 

He said although his first comic  book was not yet published he has started working on his second book, adding that his books would sell successfully after getting a break through.

A YALI member, Mr Kabo Moseki encouraged the young entrepreneurs to explore social entrepreneurship for the benefit of their businesses, adding that it was relevant as it aimed to address world challenges and profit could be made through solving such challenges. 

Botswana YALI project coordinator, Ms Changu Siwawa said the organisation was formed in 2014 by Mandela Fellowship participants, adding that the Fellowship which was US President Barack Obama’s initiative recognised African young people as leaders, who are capable to make positive contribution in their community and the key to solve challenges faced by the continent.

Ms Changu said the BW Network was formed and has two projects; which addresses teachers’ demoralization and the empowone aimed to empower small entrepreneurs.

She said the boot camp held in Maun, followed one which was held in Gaborone and were meant to nurture the young entrepreneurs’ business skills and share experiences.

The boot camp was attended by young entrepreneurs from across the country some from Gaborone, Khawa, Gudigwa, Thamaga and other places. ends

The entrepreneurs were given a chance to pitch their business ideas and one with the most creative pitch walked away with P10 000. Ends