07 May 2018

Botswana Motor Centre executive chairperson Mr Satar Dada says there are countless business opportunities available for the youth of Botswana.

Speaking at the grand opening of Thamaga Save Rite Supermarket on Friday, Mr Dada said sectors such as agriculture and information technology still remained to be exploited by youth who had the interest of venturing into business.

“Government needs a vibrant private sector for a strong economy and we also need citizens who strive to play an active role in strengthening the private sector by creating wealth. As a country we need more people with enterprising spirit especially during these tough economic times where young people are in dire need of jobs,” he said.

He said the opening of Thamaga Save Rite supermarket was a living testimony that where there was determination and will to achieve, everything was possible.

He further revealed that the owner of Thamaga Save Rite Mr Mothusi Soloko who is one of his upcoming entrepreneurs under his mentorship should continue to empower locals by creating more jobs for them. “Your efforts empowering locals are indeed commendable and I urge you to continue the good work for the benefit of Batswana,” he advised.

For his part, Mr Soloko shared the sentiments with Mr Dada stating that there were indeed countless business opportunities available for the youth but the main problem was that young upcoming entrepreneurs lacked business skills, knowledge and funds.

“There are many talented and business minded young people in the country but they are faced with so many different challenges. Even the funding organisations sometimes are reluctant to help these young entrepreneurs especially when they do not have a track record.

The other problem is that we do not get enough support such as having a business mentor from the already established business gurus,” he said.

Mr Soloko said he was fortunate enough that when he started his businesses, Mr Dada showed interest of mentoring him.

“Having a mentor is a blessing. Mr Dada exposes me to the business world I have never thought of being part of, the skills, knowledge and support I get from him is immense and I am grateful.

I am looking forward to being an international entrepreneur and take some of the upcoming entrepreneurs under my wing and mentor them. Having a mentor saves a business as you are advised on what, where and how you can take risks that will work for you not against you as an entrepreneur,” he stated.

He concluded by advising the youth not to venture into business out of desperation saying when the business failed to generate income it will land them into trouble which will eventually lead to depression. He also advised the youth to find their purpose and work slowly into establishing what they are passionate about.

A total of 42 Save Rite supermarkets owned by different Batswana have been opened in various places throughout the country. Ends