News

In a milestone event underscoring the University of Botswana’s (UB) commitment to bridging academia and industry, the UB Business Clinic hosted a graduation ceremony for its 2024 Entrepreneurship Development Programme. Held at the UB Business Block, the ceremony honoured over 30 students from diverse faculties who completed six (6) weeks of intensive entrepreneurial training guided by industry experts and guest speakers.

The purpose of the programme was to equip students with practical entrepreneurial skills to enhance their industry competence and prepare them to navigate the corporate landscape with well-developed business concepts. Divided into two (2) tracks, the programme offered a Startup Programme and an Acceleration Programme.

 In the Startup Programme, participants explored foundational topics such as the ideation phase, financial management, marketing strategies and the lean canvas model. Meanwhile, the Acceleration Programme targeted students with active businesses, providing guidance to help them pivot and advance in their respective industries.

Before the graduation, each participant presented a pitch showcasing their entrepreneurial ideas to a panel of judges, applying the skills and insights they had gained throughout the training. Three (3) standout participants were awarded top honours - Ms Lebaka Mafoko, a second-year Bachelor of Finance student, won first prize; Ms Linda Lekgowe, a fourth-year Bachelor of Finance student, took second place while Ms Yolanda Nsimbi, a second-year International Business student, claimed third.

Panellist judge, Ms Thato Mochipisi, a Social Impact Entrepreneurship and Communications Specialist, commended the students for their commitment, creativity and tech-driven ideas. Ms Mochipisi lauded their innovation particularly their integration of technology to address everyday challenges and encouraged them to continue developing their ideas, seek collaboration and bring skilled individuals on board to fully realise their business visions.

Business Clinic Coordinator and UB Lecturer, Ms Onneetse Ndadi, congratulated the aspiring entrepreneurs on their dedication to completing the rigorous programme. She encouraged them to pursue further opportunities beyond their training, emphasising that the skills, confidence and networks they had gained would open doors and attract future investors.

"This programme has unlocked essential entrepreneurial skills," noted Ms Ndadi, adding "and with these, our graduates are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in their fields and communities."