05 Jul 2016

Youth in the river villages have been implored to take advantage of business opportunities to earn a better living and create employment.

When launching the Dinokeng Youth Entrepreneurship Expo on Saturday in Mmathubudukwane, Botswana Stock Exchange chief executive officer Mr Thapelo Tsheole said the expo accorded the youth an opportunity to acquire information which they can use to start their own businesses or improve the already existing ones.

He said the theme of the expo: Promoting youth entrepreneurship and unlocking strategic partnerships opportunities in Kgatleng District, was relevant in advocating for the spirit of working together and creating synergies to take the district forward.

Mr Tsheole said the expo also provided an opportunity for the youth to embrace collective effort and create an occasion to access markets, network and learn from each other.

“It is a platform for forging strategic partnerships and for unlocking business opportunities in our localities as a collective”, said Mr Tsheole.

He emphasised the importance of partnerships and networking in entrepreneurship especially when it comes to establishing contacts with customers, financiers and suppliers.

He urged the youth who attended the expo to take advantage of the enabling business environment that government has created through various youth support programmes, incentives and initiatives.

Mr Tsheole said it was upon themselves to strategically position themselves for opportunities and embrace them for their benefit.

He said the river villages had a potential of business growth given the intactness of communities, the vast population, Madikwe River, beautiful landscapes and opportunities in agriculture. Kgatleng District Council chairperson Mr Mpho Morolong encouraged the youth to venture into businesses.

He said after acquiring the necessary and much needed information on business, it was now left to them to chart the way forward.

When giving the concept of the expo, the chief organiser, Mr Anthony Rasetshwane said the expo gave the youth an opportunity to learn from each other.

He said they want small business from the river villages to grow and reach big markets and create employment for others. ENDS