Mogoditshane Entrepreneurs Equipped for Growth Through Targeted Training

Mogoditshane Entrepreneurs Equipped for Growth Through Targeted Training. Thirty-one youth entrepreneurs from Mogoditshane recently completed a focused entrepreneurship training programme aimed at strengthening their business capabilities and preparing them for long-term sustainability. The one-week session, held in the Thamaga Sub-District, was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs (MYGA) and the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA).

The training brought together Youth Development Fund (YDF) beneficiaries operating in diverse sectors such as agriculture, ICT, manufacturing, and services. Participants engaged in sessions on business planning, resilience, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and tackling operational challenges. A key theme that emerged during the programme was the importance of market research, with many participants highlighting time constraints as a barrier to understanding their target markets.

LEA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Koleane Molefhe, addressed the participants and urged them to remain focused, innovative, and persistent. “You’ll fall and rise, many times, but you have the opportunity to rise again,” he said. He advised the trainees to work closely with LEA and stay in touch with YDF officers for guidance.

Mr. Molefhe also emphasized the importance of guarding sensitive business information and staying alert to market conditions, stating that market challenges pose a greater threat to business success than financial limitations.

Representing MYGA, Ms. Resego Tlhalerwa, reminded the trainees of their obligation to honour the Memorandum of Agreement by repaying the loan portion of their YDF funding. She noted that doing so ensures the continuity of support for future beneficiaries.

The programme reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen entrepreneurship across Botswana by equipping youth with practical tools to build sustainable enterprises. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to maintain discipline, engage with support institutions, and embrace innovation as they grow their businesses.