UB Business Clinic Graduates First 2025 Entrepreneurial Cohort, Bridging Academia and Industry

UB Business Clinic Graduates First 2025 Entrepreneurial Cohort, Bridging Academia and Industry. The University of Botswana’s Business Clinic has officially graduated its first cohort under the 2025 Entrepreneurship Development Programme, marking a significant milestone in linking academic theory with practical business application.

Launched on 10 April 2025, the eight-week programme offered two tracks: the Acceleration Programme for students with existing ventures, and the Start‑Up Development Programme for those launching new business ideas. Participants received real‑world mentorship and skills to navigate market challenges and build viable ventures.

At the graduation ceremony, top performers were recognised for their innovation and preparedness:

Acceleration programme:

• 1st: Tumo Mathiba
• 2nd: Kgosi Morwaagole
• 3rd: Tshegofatso Thake

Start‑Up programme:

• 1st: Ntshiwa Otshegeditse
• 2nd: Naledi Mokgagane
• 3rd: Bogadi Setswakae

Enterprise Development Specialist and panel judge Godiraone Goaletsa emphasised the importance of validating business ideas with robust market research, challenging graduates to question whether their products meet real demand. Other mentors shared practical advice: Victor Halton Mmualefe urged students to start small and scale thoughtfully, while Puisano Ramosobatha highlighted continuous learning as key to post‑programme success.

Programme coordinator and UB lecturer Onneetse Ndadi praised the cohort for their resilience and creativity, encouraging them to leverage innovation hubs and entrepreneurial networks to drive growth beyond campus.

For Botswana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Business Clinic’s inaugural graduation represents a leap toward producing business‑ready graduates and stimulating startup activity. As students transition into enterprise creation and market participation, the skills, pitches, and recognition gained set the stage for broader innovation across sectors.

Aimed at fostering stronger industry linkage, the initiative aligns with UB’s Faculty of Business goals to deliver market‑relevant education and support emerging entrepreneurs under its evolving strategic plan.