25 Oct 2017

Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA), in partnership with the Development Bank of Southern Africa University (DBSA) on October 24 held interview presentations for the 2017 CEDA/DBSA university challenge top 10 finalists.

In his welcome remarks, CEDA head of branch networks, Mr Oteng Mogorosi said the university challenge’s main objectives were to identify practical solutions to Botswana’s challenges as well as to inspire the youth and students to deliver practical and market oriented solutions to Botswana’s challenges.

 He added that they woud support them through the challenge award and post prize activities. 

He said the challenge focused on innovative ideas, implementable proposals addressing Botswana’s challenges with a focus on the adoption of new and emerging technologies.

Mr Mogorosi said about 224 hopefuls tendered their proposals, and that they were narrowed down to 10 finalists.

He added that it showed the finalists dedication and commitment to the challenge. 

For his part, CEDA COO, Mr Andrew Madeswi thanked the finalists and encouraged the business community to look at the challenge as an opportunity to jump in and assist and partner with youthful ideas the finalists had come up with. 

“I have a strong conviction that the top 10 outdid themselves to reach here. We believe that what we have seen here today is worth developing,” he said. 

He further said the finalists made the challenge what it was planned for.

This year’s theme tackled the issue of unemployment with the focus on diagnosing factors contributing to the current unemployment status and analysing employment practices in comparison to related regional and global employment trends.

The finalist who will come up with a implementable proposal to address any of the key issues will walk away with P200 000 and an extra P50 000 if it is a female candidate. ENDS