Botswana’s next chapter: Unleashing the power of entrepreneurship!

The age-old debate of whether entrepreneurs are born or made remains a pivotal conversation within the realm of business development, particularly in the context of Botswana’s evolving education system. As we explore the qualities that define successful entrepreneurs, we recognize that this distinction impacts on how we design educational frameworks and support systems.

On one hand, the notion that entrepreneurs are born suggests that certain intrinsic qualities—such as risk tolerance, creativity, and resilience—are innate. Proponents of this view argue that individuals with these natural traits possess a unique capacity to navigate the complexities of the business landscape and identify opportunities where others see obstacles. However, while these inherent characteristics can certainly give some individuals a start, they do not encompass the entirety of what it takes to succeed in entrepreneurship.

Conversely, the perspective that entrepreneurs are made emphasizes the role of education, experience, mentorship, and environment in shaping entrepreneurial skills. This view posits that through deliberate training, practical exposure, and nurturing support systems, individuals can develop the necessary competencies to thrive as entrepreneurs. In this context, the education system in Botswana has a crucial role to play. By fostering an environment that emphasizes not only theoretical knowledge but also hands-on experience and mentorship, we can cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets and capabilities in a diverse range of students.

As educational institutions like the University of Botswana (UB), Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BUSIT), Botho University (BU), Botswana Accountancy College and Ba Isago University reimagine their curricula, they must focus on embedding entrepreneurial education at all levels. This involves incorporating practical skill-building activities into the coursework, facilitating internships, and establishing mentorship programs that connect students with successful entrepreneurs. By providing tools and experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice, we can create an ecosystem where budding entrepreneurs can flourish, regardless of their initial disposition.

In essence, while certain characteristics may predispose some individuals to entrepreneurship, the overwhelming evidence suggests that effective education and support can empower anyone with the determination and vision to become an entrepreneur. By embracing the belief that entrepreneurs can be made—nurtured through a comprehensive educational framework and supported by robust mentorship and innovation hubs—Botswana can unlock the potential of its youth and pave the way for a dynamic and resilient entrepreneurial future.

As we reflect on this duality of nature versus nurture in entrepreneurship, one critical question remains: How can we effectively harness our educational resources and collaborative frameworks to transform potential into performance, ensuring that every aspiring entrepreneur has the tools they need to succeed? The journey is indeed transformative, and the path forward hinges on our collective commitment to fostering a supportive environment for all entrepreneurs in Botswana.

Botswana stands at a unique juncture in its entrepreneurial journey, with a rich array of institutions like the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA), the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA), the Youth Development Fund (YDF), and the Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH) all possessing the infrastructure and resources to support aspiring entrepreneurs. The question that arises, however, is why, despite significant investments and resources, we are not producing a commensurate number of entrepreneurs.

The answer perhaps lies in the collective misalignment of these institutions, which often seem to be “singing from the different hymn book.” The overlapping mandates of government ministries, each trying to achieve similar goals independently, exacerbate this dissonance. It creates confusion rather than synergy, leading to ineffective support systems that fail to harness the full potential of Botswana’s entrepreneurial spirit. When stakeholders operate in silos, the impact of their initiatives is diminished, and the lack of a coherent strategy hinders the growth of a robust entrepreneurial culture.

Moreover, the data reveals approximately 40% of students who pursue entrepreneurship-related courses express a reluctance to venture into entrepreneurship after graduation. This disconnection between education and ambition underscores a critical challenge in fostering an entrepreneurship-driven mindset among the youth. Compounding this issue is the alarming scarcity of mentors—individuals who can provide guidance, share experiences, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. With mentors being few and far between, potential entrepreneurs often miss out on the invaluable insights that could enhance their readiness and confidence to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.

What Botswana Needs: A Unified Approach

What Botswana needs is a concerted effort to synchronize these institutions and initiatives. A unified approach that intentionally targets the entrepreneurial ecosystem can catalyze change. We cannot afford to create parallel ecosystems in a small country like Botswana; instead, we must forge a cohesive strategy that integrates the strengths of each institution. By establishing clear communication channels, collaborative programs, and joint initiatives, we can cultivate an environment where entrepreneurship thrives.

The notion that “the system is down” resonates with many. Since gaining independence in 1966, we have made strides in various sectors, yet the entrepreneurial ecosystem appears to have been “loading” for too long without significant progress. Now is the time to critically evaluate our approach and realign our priorities. We must ask ourselves: Are we deliberate in cultivating a startup culture? Are we leveraging our existing resources effectively?

To reenergize Botswana’s entrepreneurial landscape, stakeholders must come together to create an intentional and targeted framework that fosters collaboration and innovation. This integrated ecosystem would not only support those currently engaged in entrepreneurship but also inspire a new generation to embrace the challenges and rewards of being their own bosses.

Recommendations for Creating an Entrepreneur-Centric Ecosystem

To foster a vibrant entrepreneurial culture in Botswana, we recommend that institutions such as CEDA, LEA, and BIH shift their paradigm from regulatory bodies to proactive enablers of entrepreneurship. Their primary mandate must be to work for the entrepreneur, not the other way around. This fundamental shift in perspective requires a more service-oriented approach to entrepreneurship, actively seeking to understand the needs of entrepreneurs and providing tailored support that empowers them to succeed.

Currently, the landscape is crowded with business labs popping up across the country, yet many struggle to demonstrate measurable outcomes. In some cases, these labs are duplicating initiatives already offered by CEDA, LEA, and BIH, leading to inefficiencies and wasted resources. This duplication not only dilutes the impact of existing programs but also creates confusion among entrepreneurs who may be unsure of where to turn for assistance. To rectify this, we recommend a concerted effort to streamline and consolidate support services, ensuring that all resources are effectively utilized to foster genuine entrepreneurship.

A practical step in this direction would be the establishment of smaller satellite hubs for CEDA, LEA, and BIH within universities. These hubs could serve as incubators, actively grooming the next generation of entrepreneurs through hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world application. By embedding these support structures within academic institutions, students can benefit from proximity to resources, funding, and guidance while developing entrepreneurial ventures that address pressing societal needs.

Botswana faces many evident challenges in its public services—from long queues for essential documents like Omang cards and passports to inefficiencies in various bureaucratic processes. Such frustrations illustrate that there are numerous opportunities for innovation that could lead to practical solutions. Time is money, and improving the efficiency of public services can have a ripple effect on the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Instead of waiting for innovations to emerge organically, we should actively encourage universities and startups to collaborate on projects that tackle these everyday problems, creating an ecosystem where innovation is driven by real-world needs.

Moreover, universities themselves should be leveraged as incubators for research and development. Although they can offer valuable insights and innovative ideas, examples of successful applications are still rare—like finding a needle in a haystack. There is much we can learn from venture labs in leading universities around the world, where a structured approach to startup incubation brings tangible results.

In the USA, Y Combinator (YC) has established itself as one of the most successful startup accelerators in the world. Since 2005, Y Combinator has invested in over 5,000 companies that have a combined valuation of over $600 billion. This extraordinary track record underscores the effectiveness of its model and highlights the significant impact YC has had on the entrepreneurial landscape. Overall, Y Combinator’s success can be attributed to its comprehensive approach to startup incubation, combining selective funding, mentorship, community, and ongoing support, all while emphasizing the importance of product-market fitness and growth. The results speak for themselves, with successful companies like Airbnb, Dropbox, Stripe, and Reddit emerging from the YC program, leading to its esteemed reputation in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

In contrast, Botswana’s ecosystem, we must embrace this model by creating environments conducive to innovation—where students can experiment, test ideas, and collaborate on entrepreneurial ventures. By fostering a mindset of problem-solving and encouraging practical engagement, we can inspire a new wave of entrepreneurs who are not only equipped with theoretical knowledge but also with the experience and confidence to innovate.

In conclusion, as we look to the future of entrepreneurship in Botswana, we envision a landscape filled with innovative companies poised to make their mark on the global stage. The potential is immense, and with the right support, mentorship, and collaborative efforts, local businesses can grow into formidable players in international markets.

So, when we witness the successes of our entrepreneurial ecosystem, we can proudly say, “That’s a Botswana company!” A company that not only embodies the spirit of creativity and resilience but also reflects our collective ambition to compete and thrive on a global level. Let us invest intentionally in Botswana, foster entrepreneurship ideas, and nurture our aspirations, because one day, Botswana will be recognized worldwide for our exceptional talent and innovation. Together, we can turn this vision into reality and stand proudly as a nation that champions its entrepreneurs and celebrates their achievements. The future is bright, and with determination and unity, Botswana will take the world by storm!

*Bakang Phuthego is an entrepreneurial specialist with research interests in global entrepreneurship, international business development and Impact Investing.