Old Mutual Botswana has strengthened its commitment to entrepreneurship and Botswana’s private sector with its inaugural sponsorship of the Angel Network Botswana (ANB) Gala Dinner.
This sponsorship marks Old Mutual Botswana’s first engagement with ANB and supports efforts to connect founders with investors, mentors, networks, and strategic partners.
Old Mutual Botswana will collaborate with ANB to extend its ‘On The Money’ financial education programme to entrepreneurs within the ANB ecosystem, providing practical education to enhance financial capability and business resilience.
At the Gala Dinner, Old Mutual Botswana Interim Group CEO, Mr Ricardo Sardien, emphasized that Botswana’s economic growth depends on fostering an environment where entrepreneurs can transform innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises.
Mr Sardien congratulated ANB on six years of advancing Botswana’s startup ecosystem, noting its role in connecting entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and institutions. ANB has supported over 80 startups, mentored more than 70 founders, and cultivated a network of 40 angel investors.
Mr Sardien highlighted the role of angel investors in bridging financing gaps for businesses too early for traditional lending, bringing capital, experience, judgment, and access to networks.
He added that access to capital is essential, but scaling businesses requires a broader ecosystem of capability, mentorship, networks, financial discipline, and institutional support.
“Capital may start a business, but it does not guarantee survival or growth. Botswana has entrepreneurial ideas; the challenge is supporting businesses through the critical growth phase.”
Supporting entrepreneurs beyond capital
Old Mutual Botswana offers solutions and initiatives to strengthen business resilience and support entrepreneurs.
Through On The Money, Old Mutual’s financial education programme, the engagement with ANB-supported entrepreneurs focuses on practical financial capability and informed decision-making.
Old Mutual Botswana also offers Biz Protect to help businesses safeguard assets and continuity, and SME Staff Cover to enhance employee protection and value.
As part of the Old Mutual Group, Old Mutual Botswana draws on African expertise in entrepreneurship and innovation, including initiatives like Next 167 in South Africa, connecting businesses with mentorship, partnerships, investment, and networks.
“Capital is most effective when paired with capability. Entrepreneurs need experienced investors, mentors, market access, networks, and institutions that help manage risk,” Mr Sardien said.
Mr Sardien called for collaboration among entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, policymakers, and development institutions to create an environment that supports businesses from inception to expansion and access to capital.
“Botswana has ambitious entrepreneurs. The focus now is on building an environment where they can start, scale, and compete regionally and globally.”
Following its sponsorship of the ANB Gala Dinner, Old Mutual Botswana will continue to support entrepreneurs, starting with financial education for ANB-supported founders.
This reflects Old Mutual Botswana’s commitment to supporting economic diversification and the development of resilient businesses that create employment, strengthen communities, and deliver sustainable value.
