26 Mar 2024

Botswana’s aspirations to transform to a high income economy need a mindset change towards entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the Marketplace Invasion dinner organised by Revelation Times Ministries International (RTMI) in Jwaneng on Saturday, the Director of Entrepreneurial Mindset and Culture in the Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Mr Oreneile Padipadi, said Botswana’s 2036 vision was to establish an inclusive and sustainable economic growth driven by high levels of productivity.

Mr Padipadi said Batswana should take advantage of government policies intended to stimulate and grow business.

He said through the Economic Inclusive Act, government was intentional about empowering businesses, thereby creating jobs for Batswana.

“The law directs government purchasing power towards local businesses, and its guidelines will be completed next month for implementation. 

With the policies and programmes we can say the land is fertile to start or grow your enterprises,” Mr Padipadi said.

He said even though the ministry was mandated to motivate people to change their mindset towards entrepreneurship, it was equally important to be realistic about expectations, especially the challenges associated with business. 

He said a business mind needed a strong conviction that could withstand challenges. He implored them to be patient and put more work before expecting positive returns.

“The rule of business is that you should be prepared for things that will go wrong. You also need a lot of conviction that can withstand any challenges because this is a journey which is full of hurdles, and it takes a long time to see results,” he noted.

Giving testimony about his journey, the founder of Dichaba Group, the brainchild of Ditec Mobile, Mr Thatayaone Dichaba, underscored the need to acknowledge risks and challenges associated with starting and operating a business. 

He said even though it took his business a long time to make a breakthrough, his determination and dedication sustained him.

“Business is a ministry, and therefore you need to be focused even throughout this journey is full of challenges. It needs a dedicated person who is determined to succeed despite everything that may hinder progress along the way,” he said.

He said Batswana should  exploit opportunities created through government programmes to participate in the growth of the economy. 

He said positioning themselves and acting on their business ideas was not only for their own financial freedom, but also to be the light to the world through job creation. ENDs