The much-awaited and first-ever Forbes Under 30 Africa Summit that was postponed two years ago as a precautionary measure in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic will be held in Botswana in April, the global media company has confirmed.
The move is expected to transform Botswana into an emerging centre for entrepreneurship that is poised for global growth, start-up acceleration and innovation. Hosted in partnership with the Botswana Government, the summit is expected to bring together 600 young entrepreneurs and game changers from Africa, Asia, Europe and the US for mentorship, networking and important conversations centred on sustainability, innovation and entrepreneurship.
In an updated note, Forbes says the Under 30 Summit is coming to the world’s greatest growth market, Africa, for the first time. “In April 2022, the world’s most elite young entrepreneurs and game changers will convene in one of the world’s most beautiful countries in one of the world’s most beautiful countries, Botswana,” says Forbes. “Of the participants, one third will come from the 30 Under 30 Africa community, one third from our host (Botswana), and one-third from the Forbes 30 Under 30 community worldwide.”
Hyping up the event, Forbes says beginning in Botswana’s capital city, Gaborone (a short flight or five-hour drive from Johannesburg), “we’ll hear from government, venture capital and business role models, providing inspiration for the newest – and next – generation of leaders”. “We will welcome local performers, chefs and entrepreneurs, allowing us to experience the sounds, cuisine and staples of local culture while engaging in unbeatable networking and pitching opportunities.”
The company notes that as with every Under 30 Summit, the social and cultural opportunities will be world-class. “Halfway through the event, we’ll jump on our own private planes and take the excitement from Gaborone to Kasane and the nearby Chobe National Park, the world’s largest elephant sanctuary,” it says. It notes it will focus on sustainability with a special day of programming outside among the elephants, a sunset river cruise among the hippos and crocodiles, and a special sunrise safari that ranks among the best in Africa.
“Across four days, we’ll explore in every way the best of Africa and harness the power of entrepreneurial capitalism amid the continent whose growth will help define the 21st century,” says Forbes. The summit objectives are to promote youth development and entrepreneurship and to provide a platform for networking young entrepreneurs as well as harnessing the economic benefits for service providers and producers across various sectors.
Of the 600 participants, one third will come from the 30 Under 30 Africa community, one third from Botswana and one-third from the Forbes 30 Under 30 community worldwide. Botswana is required to raise P11 million to be used to finance the summit and many private companies have pledged their support for the event.
Hosting such a prestigious event is seen as fostering entrepreneurship in the country, exposing the youth to international business people and providing the youth with the opportunity to network with their peers. The Botswana Government, in conjunction with the private sector, will finance 200 Batswana youth entrepreneurs who will have the opportunity to interact with game changers and entrepreneurs with the possibility of establishing long-term business partnerships.
