Step into the digital era, women entrepreneurs urged
Ludo Kwapa | Friday June 28, 2019 13:24
While many women entrepreneurs in Botswana rely on physical word of mouth and street sales to sell their wares, the advent of the Internet and its various products, including the digital marketplace are an opportunity not many are taking advantage of.
First Lady, Neo Masisi told businesswomen gathered at the National Women’s Expo this week, that these new opportunities could not be passed by.
She said the theme, “Positioning Women Entrepreneurs in the Digital Era,” should motivate women entrepreneurs to familiarise themselves with technology in order to advance their businesses.
The first lady urged businesswomen to do away with the old mindset of selling, advertising and operating a business, saying stepping to the digital market would help transform the country.
Technology makes the world smaller,” she said. “One can sit at home and still be able to shop around or sell their products.”
She said operating in the digital space would help women entrepreneurs have the flexibility of running their businesses from anywhere while giving them a broader clientele.
The First Lady urged businesswomen to consider how to break into the youth demographic, who comprise the majority of the digital market.
“Young people prefer to buy things online. If they are looking for something they say it is better to find it online,” she said. Masisi said the Women’s Expo is useful in helping women entrepreneurs with information and the exchange of ideas.
Botswana Fibre Networks board member, Yolisa Phillips said the digital revolution presented an opportunity for women entrepreneurs to embrace and take advantage of the limitless opportunities available.