25 Sep 2018

 Women entrepreneurs have been told to be part of decision-making in their businesses in order that they (businesses) become strong. 

Director of 100 Minds, Mr Modiri Lucas told attendants of a one-day empowerment workshop for Botswana Women in Business Association (WIBA) in Francistown on September 24 that some businesses collapsed because owners ran them by remote control. 

Business owners should always be part of their companies by being available to take appropriate decisions, said Mr Lucas. 

Advising women to diversify, he said: “Don’t limit yourself to one business. 

Create more jobs”. 

On other issues, Mr Lucas explained that even though the number of women in decision- making positions in the public service was satisfactory, more needed to be done to take them on board to grow the economy. 

Mr Lucas explained that they could only lead in business if they collaborated because research indicated that partnership was key to a successful economy. 

The business tycoon also challenged women in business to establish their own chambers of industry, where they could meet to discuss the future of their businesses and ways of improving them. 

He also encouraged them to venture into big businesses such as manufacturing and penetrate international markets. 

“Explore other alternatives and shun criticism by having your quiet inner confidence,” he said. 

Speaking at the same event, WIBA president Ms Nametso Ntsosa-Carr encouraged all women in business to work in partnership, have passion as well as courage and share their experiences with others. 

“Women, the future is in your hands and you should connect it to the right device. 

Connect and network with one another for your businesses to flourish,” she advised. 

Ms Ntsosa-Carr, who owns chain businesses in and outside the country, urged women to establish as many companies as they could as a way of diversifying their businesses. 

She also advised women entrepreneurs not to leave politicians behind in their networking. 

Speakers included representatives of Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS), Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS), Office of the President-Poverty Eradication and Local Enterprise Authority (LEA). 

The main objective of the seminar was to create awareness about WIBA’s mandate and for stakeholders to educate WIBA members about their functions and the services they offered.

The second objective was to prepare women in business for the upcoming expo expected to be held in Francistown from October 23-27. ENDS