The substandard quality of education in Botswana poses a significant threat to the growth of youth entrepreneurship, a local expert has warned.
Victor Halton Mmualefe, Director of Phatsima Tuitions Learning Institute, told this publication that inadequate education is one of the main barriers preventing young people from starting or sustaining businesses.
Mmualefe said education plays a dual role—it can either foster or hinder an entrepreneurial mindset. He argued that current teaching methods often suppress creativity and independence, which is reflected in the youth’s preference for traditional business models.
“Traditional education focuses on examinations and rote memorization, which can stifle students’ curiosity and willingness to take business risks,” he said. “In contrast, practical education—through problem-solving and hands-on projects—helps students develop an entrepreneurial mindset.”
He emphasized the need for educators to integrate traditional and practical teaching approaches to produce confident, business-minded learners.
Mmualefe also pointed to a lack of access to quality education as a major stumbling block for aspiring young entrepreneurs.
“Education equips individuals with vital knowledge in areas such as budgeting, planning, and understanding the market—all of which are essential for running a successful business,” he said. “The lack of education also erodes confidence and makes individuals less likely to take risks or engage in the formal economy.”
His concerns echo findings in the United Nations Development Programme’s report, Youth Employment in Botswana, which cited poor outcomes in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. The report revealed that Botswana’s eighth-grade students performed at unsatisfactory levels, highlighting ongoing concerns about educational quality.
Further evidence comes from the Botswana Examinations Council (BEC), which reported that out of 32,000 candidates who sat for exams in 2023, only one-third achieved a grade C or higher, resulting in a 32 percent pass rate.
Despite improvements in secondary school enrolment, the rate still lags behind near-universal enrolment in primary education. Many students fail to complete the required 10 years of basic education, and the dropout and re-entry rates at the secondary level remain high.
To address these systemic issues, Mmualefe proposed restructuring the education system by implementing alternative learning pathways.
“Vocational training, apprenticeships, and online courses are especially beneficial for young people who haven’t completed formal schooling,” he said. “These programs encourage youth to explore self-employment or launch their own ventures.”
He also advocated for early exposure to entrepreneurial concepts. “Instruct entrepreneurship, digital skills, and financial literacy from an early age,” he said.
To create a more supportive ecosystem, Mmualefe called for stronger collaboration between schools, businesses, and training institutions.
“Schools, businesses, and training centers should collaborate in partnership,” he concluded.
