FNB Botswana Launches FirstPreneur Roundtable to Strengthen SME Growth Across Industries

FNB Botswana Launches FirstPreneur Roundtable to Strengthen SME Growth Across Industries. FNB Botswana, in partnership with Project124 Africa, hosted the inaugural FirstPreneur Value Chain Roundtable aimed at strengthening connections between small businesses, investors and larger market players in Botswana.

Held under the theme “Unlocking SME Potential Through Stronger Value Chain Linkages,” the event brought together entrepreneurs operating across 18 sectors of Botswana’s economy. Investors, corporate buyers, institutional partners and sector specialists also attended the roundtable.

The event was attended by Tiroeaone Mojatale Ntsima, Botswana’s Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, highlighting growing attention on the role of small and medium enterprises in economic development.

According to FNB Botswana, the initiative was designed to create opportunities for collaboration, investment readiness and market access through its FirstPreneur platform. The programme focuses on supporting citizen-owned businesses as they seek funding opportunities, industry networks and long-term growth.

Speaking during the event, FNB Botswana Deputy CEO Dr Mbako Mbo encouraged entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities created through the platform.“The platform is here. The access is here. The opportunity is here. The next move belongs to you,” said Mbo.

The roundtable created a space for direct engagement between business owners and stakeholders involved in financing, procurement and enterprise development. Discussions focused on strengthening value chain participation and improving opportunities for SMEs to connect with broader markets.

The event also reflected increasing collaboration between financial institutions and entrepreneurship-focused organisations in supporting business development initiatives in Botswana.

Through the FirstPreneur programme, FNB Botswana continues to position itself as a supporter of entrepreneurship and SME development by providing access to resources intended to help businesses scale sustainably.