FirstPreneur Development Programme to empower SMMEs

Otlarongwa Kgweetsi | Wednesday July 10, 2024 10:06

The Minister of Entrepreneurship, Karabo Gare, said at the launch last week that entrepreneurs are crucial contributors to the country’s GDP as they create jobs and strengthen value chains in vital sectors such as mining and agriculture. “Entrepreneurship is at the heart of our economic strategy, propelling economic expansion and innovation across Botswana,” he said.

He further underscoring the importance of nurturing creativity and resourcefulness amongst Batswana. Gare noted that the innovative solutions developed by entrepreneurs do not only address local challenges but also have the potential to impact global markets. “It is imperative that we continue to nurture this creativity, equipping our entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and support to bring their ideas to fruition,” he added. The minister said initiatives like the FirstPreneur Development Programme supplement government’s robust support systems like access to funding, mentorship, and training provided by state-owned enterprises like the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) and Local Enterprise Authority (LEA). He said the programme also exemplifies such a support framework, designed to empower entrepreneurs by providing them with the guidance, resources, and collaborative environments necessary for success. The minister also stressed the need to sustain and expand initiatives like FirstPreneurship to promote a vibrant entrepreneurial network.

He highlighted the importance of linking local entrepreneurs with their international counterparts to foster collaboration and drive the economy towards becoming a high-income country by 2036, as envisioned in the Reset Agenda. FNBB CEO, Steven Bogatsu, described the launch as a collective journey in supporting growth, innovation, and sustainability within Botswana’s SME sector. “Today we are not merely launching a programme,” he said. “We are igniting the flames of entrepreneurship through shared prosperity across our nation.” Bogatsu highlighted the powerful synergy between FNBB and TheNeoHub, which represents a union of vision and purpose aimed at accelerating the development of SMEs in Botswana. For her part, NeoHub founder and director, Zinzi Letsididi, emphasised the vital role of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth and innovation. She reaffirmed her organisation’s commitment to supporting the next generation of business leaders in Botswana. Letsididi said the FirstPreneur Development Programme contributes to job creation, financial growth, and start-up support while contributing to broader goals like community impact and financial literacy. She emphasised that through collaboration, the programme seeks to create a lasting impact on the entrepreneurial landscape, promoting innovation and sustainability. “Over the next two years, the FirstPreneur Development Programme aims to nurture, support, and accelerate entrepreneurs in building sustainable businesses,” Letsididi said. “The initiative is particularly focused on empowering the youth and women, ensuring they have the necessary resources and support to succeed,” she added.