15th August 2025
Sello Motseta
Business Botswana and the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) to create a platform for youth and women led businesses to grow and access markets.
“Women entrepreneurs are essential cvontributors to emploment, wealth creation and community development. Together, youth and women form the backbone of the private sector,” said Norman Moleele, Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Business Botswana.
He said, “We will empower youth and women, strengthen the private sector and promote inclusive economic transformation. I also urge the establishment of an action oriented implementation plan to track achievements, address challenges and ensure both youth and women led businesses thrive and actively contribute to the economy.”
Under arrangement Business Botswana will be able to facilitate with internships, apprenticeships and mentorship opportunities by connecting their member businesses with youth entrprises, tertiary institutions and youth organisations.
Government will support these initiatives through policy changes that make it easier for companies to employ and train young people.
Bridget Poppy John, Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Youtha dn Gender Affairs, said “Today marks another important milestone in advancing youth and women’s empowerment in Botswana. The Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs and Business Botswana have resolved to formalize our collaboration through the signing of a memeorandum of understanding.”
She said, “The government provides a policy framework and regulation while Business Botswana provides business connections, expertise and a powerful voice of business. This partnership ensures that empowerment initiatives are not just well intentioned but are practical, sustainable and directly linked to the needs of the modern economy.”
Both entities will work together to promote a culture of entepreneurship among young people.
Government can offer access to small business loans and simplified administrative processes while Business Botswana can provide business development services, networking opportunities, markets and guidance from experienced enterpreneurs.
