Business Clinic Launches Future Entrepreneurs Through First Graduate Cohort
University of Botswana (UB) Business Clinic has taken a major step to bridge the gap between academic learning and business practice by successfully graduating its first cohort under the 2025 Entrepreneurship Development Programme. The initiative, launched on the 10th of April 2025, equips young aspiring entrepreneurs with practical skills to drive innovation, strengthen industry linkages and foster business-ready graduates.
Over an intensive eight-week mentorship, students were divided into two streams - an Acceleration Programme for those with existing businesses and a Start-Up Development Programme for those launching new ideas. Top achievers from each stream were awarded during the graduation ceremony to recognise their business potential and market readiness.
In the Acceleration Programme, Mr Tumo Mathiba clinched first position followed by Mr Kgosi Morwaagole in second place and Ms Tshegofatso Thake in third. Meanwhile, in the Start-Up Development Programme, Ms Ntshiwa Otshegeditse emerged top with Ms Naledi Mokgagane and Ms Bogadi Setswakae taking second and third places respectively.
Speaking at the event, Enterprise Development Specialist and panel judge, Ms Godiraone Goaletsa, stressed the importance of rigorous market research, advising participants to critically assess the need and viability of their products and services. “Is 
your product market-worthy? Can people live without it? Is there a real demand?” she challenged the budding entrepreneurs.
Mentors also shared key advice with the students. Phatsima Tuitions Executive Director, Mr Victor Halton Mmualefe, encouraged them to dream big but more importantly, to start small and build consistently. Agronardo Managing Director, Mr Puisano Ramosobatha, urged the students to embrace continuous learning as a cornerstone for growth and development.
Coordinator of the Business Clinic and UB Lecturer, Ms Onneetse Ndadi, applauded the graduates for their resilience and innovation, encouraging them to actively seek out opportunities, innovation hubs and platforms that will support the growth of their ventures.