Botswana Plots Innovation Roadmap at MIT REAP Workshop

Botswana Plots Innovation Roadmap at MIT REAP Workshop. Botswana’s drive to strengthen its innovation ecosystem took a decisive step forward as key stakeholders gathered in Gaborone for the latest session of the MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (REAP). The workshop brought together representatives from government, academia, the private sector, and civil society, uniting under a shared vision to advance entrepreneurship and economic transformation.

Held under the theme “Accelerating Botswana’s Innovation Ecosystem,” the workshop focused on translating insights from an April validation event into a concrete two-year action plan. Using the Strategic Doing framework, participants collaborated on asset mapping, opportunity identification, and solution-oriented planning.

A national survey of over 80 entrepreneurs and investors revealed important insights: 82% of entrepreneurs cited problem-solving as their main motivation, yet half struggled with access to funding. Investors, on the other hand, pointed to regulatory challenges and the need for structured innovation support as major barriers.

To address these issues, discussions centred on improving public-private partnerships, enhancing mentorship networks, strengthening university-industry collaboration, and streamlining regulatory processes. Strategic action maps were developed outlining short-, medium-, and long-term goals, with responsibilities shared across sectors. The group committed to quarterly follow-ups to ensure accountability and momentum.

For Botswana’s entrepreneurial community, this signals a growing commitment to building a more supportive and coordinated innovation ecosystem. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to stay engaged, leverage upcoming opportunities, and contribute to shaping a future where innovation drives inclusive economic growth.