16 May 2016

Some people are propelled to venture into business because there are no jobs in Botswana, not because they have a desire to do it.

However, one Mr Topo Motsumi has a heart for business and nothing would have made him happier than being his own boss.

“Government preaches that we should be entrepreneurs and form companies so as to employ others and also have a passion to be self-reliant,” said Mr Motsumi.

Mr Motsumi told BOPA in an interview that he applied for the Youth Development Fund (YDF) in 2014 which funded him with P98 000 and started an architectural business called Freshman Projects, which deals with architectural plans, construction as well as mechanical engineering.

The money that he was funded with allowed him to purchase a plotter machine, computer, laptops and office furniture.

“I studied Architecture Technology at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology and graduated in 2013,” he said.

Mr Motsumi was a man with a plan because immediately after graduation, he started his business and has managed to create employment for himself and one other youth in order to reduce unemployment in the country and sometimes engages some part time when he has many clients to serve.

The young man has been forced to operate his business from home due to shortage of office space in Tonota and this has been an advantage for him as he does not pay rent, however it does come with challenges.

“One of the challenges I encounter while operating from home is that it is hard for me to get customers and for business to be well known as I operate in Tonota West and is far from my clients,” said Mr Motsumi.

He said geographical location makes his business suffer and wishes it was located near the bus rank at shops where many people are.

However, he advertises his business through Facebook, word