The business world has traditionally been depicted as the realm of men, which is evident in the abundance of positive and negative tropes associated with the sector. However, women have yet to play roles beyond customers and staff. The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs contributes to ongoing efforts to spotlight women’s industrial capabilities and innovations in the public eye. It is noteworthy that three women-led organisations administer the program.
Mebala Youth Studios, Now for Them and Market Players have joined forces to broaden the opportunities available to women in the country as they navigate the competitive business world. The programme funded by the government of the United States of America supports the growth of women entrepreneurs by equipping them with the practical skills, resources, mentorship, and networks needed to create sustainable businesses. In Botswana alone, the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs programme has trained over 1,000 women and continues adding to its alumnae pool. Research published in 2023 by London-based money.co.uk revealed that “companies led by women CEOs boast significantly higher average revenues, with an impressive GBP 26 billion, compared to the GBP 20 billion average revenue reported by companies led by men”, making this initiative more than simply a timely intervention.
The recently concluded training facilitated by Othata Monthe – an entrepreneurship development professional with six years of experience, possessing a Project Management Professional certification – saw the ignition of a bevvy of burgeoning commercial ideas. Month is an alumnus of the Kectil Programme – an initiative created to identify and nurture highly talented youth in developing countries who have the potential to make a positive difference in their communities and nations – and is putting her training to practice by leading by example. Mebala Youth Studios’ Programme Coordinator, Katlego Mokone, who oversaw the activity, is exemplary in the same vein as before her appointment; she had initially joined the Gaborone West-based youth centre as a volunteer and has successfully coordinated several programmes.
Mebala Youth Studios partnered with the Orange Digital Centre to provide two weeks of intensive online business training using their coding lab facilities to accommodate the women entrepreneurs. A substantial part of the programme was digitally oriented to prepare participants for international operations and clientele, such that they’d be ready to meet the technological requirements presented by industry evolutions. Following the training, each cohort trains at the youth centre for a week-long intensive pitch preparation. Initially trained using the Business Model Canvas – developed by Swiss business theorist and entrepreneur Alex Osterwalder – the week presents the challenge of condensing their ideas into a comprehensive and convincing pitch where the entrepreneurs and their businesses compete for a chance to win free office space and financial book-keeping support.
Three winners emerged at the ceremony hosted on 21 March 2023. Lebogang Karabo of Double Safety Solutions led the pack, with Zoetic Solutions’ Zodwa Ramore and Abigail Olebogeng of Kuhle Bale Investments taking second and third place positions, respectively. Double Safety Solutions is a Safety, Health and Environmental Management business that offers tailor-made SHE solutions for various companies and organisations. They train staff on industry-specific health and safety protocols, design health and safety policies, sensitise companies on the importance of SHE about labour law requirements, and engage in signposting employment opportunities for fitting professionals. Ramore’s interior design studio offers interior architecture, interior design, illustration, and consultancy services for commercial and residential projects. Kuhle Bale Investments brings stories to life with captivating videos, social media management, branding, and marketing. Specialising in videography, editing, and content creation, they blend creativity, expertise, and tech for corporate promotions, events, and creative projects.
Speaking to the Brand and Marketing Officer at Mebala Youth Studios, Neo Mokgosi, her reflections on valuable insights from the initiative are vast. “Female entrepreneurs are showing up in different sectors of business, and while they are not quite present in large numbers, those who are present are making a mark,” she says. Mokgosi also finds that the aspect of pitching with the program is vital as “the ladies repeatedly expressed how they could not verbally explain their business to a crowd of people”, further adding that “having the different female entrepreneurs in one room allowed them to network and they realised that they, and their businesses, could benefit from collaborating”. The value of financial management training was not lost on the project implementers and participants, as it is a subject that many entrepreneurs overlook. However, it is crucial for making informed decisions about business growth.
To move the investment in women beyond training and incubation, Mebala Youth Studios seeks to extend its relationship offerings with Orange Digital Centre by enrolling the academy participants in website development programmes so that their businesses may gain a broader reach. As the world continues to shift to accommodate women in business in multiple capacities, this initiative promises the women of Botswana that their participation is valued and recognised.
