Q: Hosting the Forbes under 30 Summit Africa for the third time in a row is a significant achievement. Could you elaborate on the direct economic impact this event has had on Botswana?
A: The Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa, which is being hosted in Botswana for the third consecutive year, is a remarkable achievement. This prestigious event brings together successful young entrepreneurs and leaders from across the continent and around the globe with many beneficiaries and sectors in Botswana positively impacted.
The hotel and restaurant industry experienced increased business due to the influx of summit attendees while hospitality and travel companies got an opportunity to showcase Botswana to international participants, enhancing their visibility and market reach.
Sectors like performing arts and events promoters were revitalised by the summit, especially after facing challenges during pandemic-related lockdowns and transport operators ferrying delegates during the Summit were among the biggest beneficiaries.
There was a focus on investment and entrepreneurship with programming centred on spotlighting Botswana’s most significant business stories and opportunities. The summit emphasized the role of investors and founders in forging new paths forward and provided networking and cultural experiences. event. Participants explored Gaborone, enjoyed local cuisine, and engaged in cultural activities.
Post-summit excursions to natural beauties like the Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta played a role in boosting the tourism sector and showcased Botswana’s beauty to the world
Q: How has it contributed to Botswana’s reputation as a global destination for business, innovation, and entrepreneurship?
A: The Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa, hosted in Botswana, has significantly enhanced the country’s reputation as a global destination for business, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Hosting the summit puts Botswana on the international stage and showcases the country’s potential, culture, and hospitality to a diverse audience. Through it, Investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders take notice of Botswana’s offerings.
It focuses on spotlighting Botswana’s greatest business stories and opportunities and emphasizes the role of investors and founders in forging new paths forward. Participants witness firsthand how Botswana cultivates critical conversations and fosters change.
Through networking and collaboration, the summit provides a unique platform for local talent to connect with global influencers, where emerging leaders engage in meaningful conversations and exchange ideas. Access to industry experts accelerates growth and empowers Botswana’s youth.
It inspires the next generation of leaders as it demonstrates the power of hope and entrepreneurship.
Q: Does hosting the summit align with the Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibitions (MICE) strategy, which seeks to position Botswana as a premier global MICE destination by 2036?
A: It aligns seamlessly with the country’s MICE strategy. This strategic alignment aims to position Botswana as a premier global MICE destination by 2036.
Hosting the Summit contributes to this vision by elevating Botswana’s profile as a sought-after destination for business events. By hosting a prestigious international gathering, the country demonstrates its ability to accommodate large-scale conferences, which enhances the country’s competitiveness in the MICE industry.
MICE events attract participants from around the world. Hosting such events generates revenue through accommodation, transport, and ancillary services. The Summit’s economic impact contributes to Botswana’s overall financial growth.
The Summit necessitates infrastructure improvements. Investments in conference centres, hotels, and transportation facilities benefit both the summit and future MICE events. Upgraded infrastructure also positions Botswana as a reliable host for global gatherings.
It provides opportunities for local professionals to engage with international delegates with exposure to best practices, networking, and knowledge sharing enhancing their skills.
Hosting the Summit puts Botswana in the spotlight through media coverage, social media buzzes, and participant testimonials, which amplify the country’s brand visibility. The positive experience creates a lasting impression on attendees.
The Summit leaves a legacy beyond its duration, with alumni networks, partnerships, and collaborations continuing post-event. All of this enhances Botswana’s reputation as a MICE destination to grow over time.
Q: In what ways have the past summits fostered collaboration and networking opportunities for Botswana’s youth and emerging leaders?
A: The Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa, hosted in Botswana, has been a catalyst for fostering collaboration and networking opportunities among the country’s youth and emerging leaders.
Some ways in which the past summits have achieved this is through networking platforms, with the summit providing a unique platform for young entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders to connect. Attendees engage in meaningful conversations, exchange ideas, and build relationships with like-minded individuals. This is done through networking sessions, panel discussions, and breakout groups, which facilitate interactions and knowledge sharing.
The summit invites influential speakers, successful entrepreneurs, and industry experts who achievers share their experiences, insights, and advice with the participants. This is where emerging leaders gain access to valuable mentorship and guidance.
It also highlights Botswana’s talent pool with young innovators, artists, and creators getting a chance to showcase their work and projects. Exposure at the summit can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and investment opportunities.
Through investor engagement, where investors attend the summit to explore potential ventures, start-ups and emerging businesses can pitch their ideas and seek funding. The event bridges the gap between investors and young entrepreneurs.
Beyond business, the summit celebrates African culture. Participants learn about Botswana’s heritage, traditions, and arts in cultural events to foster connections and mutual understanding.
The impact extends post-summit, with initiatives like alumni networks and follow-up programs keeping participants connected. Collaborations initiated during the Summit continue to flourish.
Q: Highlight notable partnerships or collaborations that have emerged as a result of Botswana’s involvement with the Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa in the past three years.
A: Some key highlights include the facilitation of connections between local entrepreneurs and global investors. Botswana-based startups have engaged with venture capitalists, exploring funding opportunities.
Strategic Partnerships with Google Africa: These partnerships aim to improve the start-up ecosystem.
Linkages to transform SMEs into start-ups with venture capitalists (VCs): Batswana entrepreneurs have been pitching their ideas to Dubai-based VCs.
Collision Tech Conference Participation: Two Batswana entrepreneurs presented their pitches at the Collision Tech Conference, which is the largest tech summit globally. They have already sold an app designed for private aviation to an Indian consortium.
Forbes Recognition: Motswana entrepreneur Didintle was profiled in Forbes magazine, providing her with opportunities to expand to other markets in South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria. Forbes has a readership of 343 million.
Social Impact Initiatives: The summit opened up opportunities for Batswana innovators in social impact, such as Laone Jimmy.
Some Batswana innovators have been poached by international organizations in countries like Zambia, the Netherlands (Holland), and South Africa. These organisations have taken a liking to their products and services.
The summit has also provided international business opportunities including; Clean Cooking Manufacturing Business, where a Kenyan-Motswana partnership aims to distribute 5 million clean cooking stoves in Southern Africa.
Global Marketing Firm Partnership: A Motswana entrepreneur has partnered with a global marketing firm that serves clients like Netflix, Coca-Cola, Disney, and Ford Motor Company.
Pipeline for American-African Collaboration: Efforts are underway to bring Americans and Africans to Botswana through business and leisure events, providing access to 2 million Americans interested in travelling to Africa.
Additionally, some Batswana were invited to showcase their movies at the Cannes International Film Festival.
Q: How does Botswana intend to utilise its ongoing hosting of the summit to further propel its economic growth and development objectives?
Botswana strategically utilises hosting summits to attract investment, promote sustainable development, and position itself as a global player in economic growth and innovation.
