01 Sep 2025

 Youth entrepreneurs in Maun have been advised to go beyond targeting individual customers and consider pricing strategies that align with broader market demands.

“You should position yourselves competitively and sell with confidence, there is space for you to grow,” says Minister of Youth and Gender, Ms Lesego Chombo.

Minister Chombo was in Maun recently on a working visit to engage with various youth-led business initiatives funded by her ministry. Her visit underscored the ministry’s commitment to supporting youth-led enterprises and ensuring that funded projects were monitored and encouraged to grow into sustainable, impactful ventures.

The minister used the opportunity to encourage youth businesses to be market-oriented and think competitively. As part of her schedule, she toured the Rolling Pin Bakery, an enterprise supported through government youth empowerment programmes. She applauded the bakery’s dedication and resilience, especially in navigating a competitive environment.

“I am impressed by your hard work and commitment. Independence in business is crucial, and the fact that you are holding on, in a space with many bakeries shows strength,” said Ms Chombo.

Ms Cecilia Grey, an accountant at the bakery, reflected on the business’ early struggles, noting that obtaining a trading license proved to be a major hurdle.

“We struggled for almost a year to be issued a license, which delayed our ability to operate fully and grow our business,” explained Ms Grey.

She also noted that the bakery had since made significant progress and recently started supplying local schools, boosting their visibility and confidence.

Young entrepreneurs appealed for continued support from the ministry to help expand their reach beyond Maun and raise the company’s profile in surrounding areas. ENDS