24 Feb 2024

Youth across the country have been encouraged to take advantage of grant opportunities offered by Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub (BDIH).

Speaking during a workshop in Maun recently, the Digital Innovation Manager at BDIH, Mr Kgotlayarona Basalumi said the grants were available for every youth looking to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey.

The grants, he said served as a stepping stone for young individuals to realise their dreams and contribute to the economic growth of the nation with over P9 million to be used.The workshop organised by the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs in collaboration with UNICEF, Botswana National Youth Council (BNYC) and BDIH showcased a number of opportunities that youth could explore.

For her part, BNYC board member, Ms Omogolo Nthutang also said BNYC offered support for innovative projects and initiatives through youth grants, which catered for non-government and faith-based organisations amongst others. “Amongst other opportunities, BNYC has a multi-purpose hall in Gaborone that offers office blocks, sport fields and hostels accessible to youth for various activities, most of which are free of charge for youth,” she said.

Ms Nthutang further said there were youth centres across the region that were meant to be used by the youth for recreational purposes and emphasised that the centres were crucial spaces for community engagement and skills development.

Furthermore, Ms Nthutang encouraged the youth to apply for the Botswana National Youth Awards as a platform that recognised and celebrated the outstanding achievements of young individuals making a positive impact in their communities, which exposed beneficiaries to the international market as well.

“We also offer board training as a valuable resource for youth looking to enhance their leadership and governance skills, the trainings includes CV and Cover letter writing as well as provides mental health solutions,” she said.Explaining the services offered by CEDA for the youth, Customer Advisor at CEDA, Ms Candy Roy said youth could apply for loans under Letlhabile and Mabogo Dinku to fund their businesses. Ends