29 Jun 2023

A budding Local entrepreneur, Dr Matlhogonolo Mongwa of Kalafhi Medical Center has made it into this year’s Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) top 50 finalists.

Dr Mongwa is the sole local entrepreneur who has made it to the prestigious Jack Ma Foundation flagship entrepreneurs support programme for budding African businesses.

The local business woman was selected from over 27 000 entrepreneurs from 54 African countries, which ABH hailed as a record number of aspiring applicants.

In an interview, Dr Mongwa said it was an honour to be among the best and that her ultimate aim was to win the prestigious award.

“It means a lot, it validates a lot to be chosen among the top 50 out of 27 000 entries,” she said.

She was confident that Kalafhi Medical Center, which is located at the Main Mall in Gaborone was well positioned to sell its story to the judging panel.

Other than winning the award, she said there was more to the competition, such as exposure to the international market and potential funders.

She said local funding was still disadvantageous to upcoming entrepreneurs such as Kalafhi Medical Center hence the need to explore opportunities outside.

The local business, which started in 2018 with one clinic, has grown to four medical centers and plans are underway to start a smart hospital.

Dr Mongwa said the medical centre has over 55 employees and her aim was to grow Kalafhi to greatly contribute to the country’s health care system and position Botswana as a regional medical tourism destination.

Africa’s Business Heroes programme provides African entrepreneurs with grant funding, training programmes and broader support.

In the last year edition, Botswana’s two entrants Ms Melissa Tafila and Mr Tendekayi Katsiga made it to the top 50 contestants, having been selected from a pool of 21 000 applications from across all 54 African countries.

The country’s best run in the completion was in 2021 when The Bulb World founder and chief executive officer, Mr Ketshephaone Jacob made it to the top ten finalists.

Apart from networking and learning opportunities, the AHB winner pockets U$300 000 (about P3.4 million), first runner-up receives US$250,000 (about P2.8 million) and the second runner-up receives US$150 000 (about P1.7 million), while the top ten finalists get US$100 000 (P1.13 million).

The ABH grand finale will be held in Kigali, Rwanda, November 23-24. Ends