• Botswana picked 31 startups from 1,300 applicants for intensive training.
• Youth unemployment is at 45.5%, driving urgency for diversification.
• The government aims to reduce reliance on diamonds by building an entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Botswana is taking bold steps to diversify its economy by empowering local entrepreneurs. The government sees innovation and startups as key to creating jobs and reducing reliance on diamond exports.

Last week, Botswana launched a major initiative to support local startups. Officials selected 31 promising startups out of more than 1,300 applicants for a three-day bootcamp in Gaborone. These startups will then undergo twelve weeks of intensive mentoring.

The selected projects focus on strategic sectors including smart agriculture, e-health, digital solutions, and climate technologies. These sectors align with Botswana’s national strategy for economic transformation.

At the same time, about twenty seasoned African entrepreneurs came to Gaborone. They met with government officials to share insights on how to accelerate entrepreneurship at the national level.

The government plans to give project leaders structured support and resources so they can turn ideas into real businesses. The Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) will anchor these efforts by offering entrepreneurship training and seed funding for students.

Botswana wants to build an ecosystem where young people can learn, launch businesses, and create local jobs.

The urgency is clear. Trading Economics reports Botswana’s national unemployment rate at 23.1%, with youth unemployment soaring to 45.5% for people aged 15–24. The World Bank noted in 2024 that Botswana still depends on diamond exports for over 70% of export revenues, but diamonds create few jobs.

The government wants to reduce this dependence by fostering a skilled workforce ready for a changing economy.

However, the success of this plan depends on key factors. Botswana must secure follow-up financing for young companies. The government also needs strong coordination between public institutions and private actors. Finally, universities must connect their innovations directly to the country’s economic needs.

Other African nations, including Tanzania and Ivory Coast, have launched similar efforts with university incubators and student programs. Botswana hopes its startups will prove viable, create jobs, and become part of a sustainable national economy.

 This article was initially published in French by Félicien Houindo Lokossou (intern) 

Edited in English  by Ange Jason Quenum