26 Aug 2025

Botswana is set to host the first-ever Top 100 CEO Conference and Awards 2025, a groundbreaking national platform that will bring together the country’s most influential corporate leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders.

Speaking about the initiative CEO of Progressive Institute, Mr Mmoloki Mmolotsi, said it was scheduled for September 16 to 18, at Boipuso Hall in Gaborone. He also noted that the conference was expected to attract over 500 attendees, with 100 CEOs, 20 panel discussions, and more than 40 exhibitors participating.

The event themed: Celebrating Executive Leadership Excellence in Botswana, he said sought to recognise and celebrate outstanding executive leadership while advancing dialogue on critical issues such as national development, innovation, inclusive growth, sustainability, and leadership transformation. 

“The initiative not only acknowledges exceptional corporate leaders but also inspires higher standards of excellence across the business community, adding also that the inaugural edition followed an intensive vetting process where over 200 candidates from across industries were assessed to identify deserving leaders. 

“This edition has demonstrated outstanding performance across key pillars such as Leadership, Business Impact, Philanthropy, COVID-19 Relief Assistance, and Self-Made Success,” Mr Mmolotsi noted, adding that the recognition was reserved for exceptional leaders shaping Botswana’s future.

He also said Botswana Top 100 CEOs initiative would serve as a historic milestone in the nation’s business landscape, highlighting remarkable contributions of executives in driving growth, fostering innovation, and positioning Botswana competitively on the global stage.

For his part, chief operations officer at Progressive Institute Mr Willard Machado described the Top 100 as more than just a recognition exercise. 

He said it was a movement designed to honour CEOs who not only driving business performance, but also shaping national destiny. He said the launch marked the beginning of a journey that will not only highlight excellence, but also inspire the next generation of leaders.

“The role of a CEO is not just about profit, it is about the legacies we build, the people we mentor and the institutions we strengthen. Acknowledging and honoring these individuals, the conference aims not only to celebrate excellence, but to also spark conversations that will influence economic transformation and organisational growth across the country,” he said. ENDS