The inaugural Banana Club Economic Inclusion Forum, held on 24 October 2025 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Gaborone, brought together over 100 leaders across business, policy and culture to re-imagine economic growth through inclusion. Under the theme “Building Resilient, Future-Ready Markets,” the forum positioned equity, identity and innovation as strategic drivers for Southern Africa’s next phase of development.
Delivering the keynote address, Kefilwe Mokone, Senior Manager – Cultural Transformation, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at Debswana Diamond Company, stressed that inclusive economies are not only ethical imperatives but sound business strategy; “we cannot speak about sustainability without inclusion,” said Mokone. “True economic growth comes when every citizen is empowered to participate fully and authentically. By investing in equity and belonging, we build markets that reflect our values and our future.
Panels featured regional voices including Sylvester Chauke (DNA Brand Architects, South Africa), Bokang Bane (Queer WorX, Lesotho), Letlhogonolo Moremi (ParkGrey IP), Andiswa Dlamini (The Other Village, South Africa), and Yuck Miranda (Ulayo Queer Festival, Mozambique). Discussions spanned inclusive business practices, policy frameworks, and the power of culture as economic capital.
Founder and Creative Director Tanlume Enyatseng closed the Forum by urging stakeholders to turn dialogue into action through the concept of the “Pink Pula”. A vision for Botswana’s inclusive economic future.
“The Pink Pula symbolises a new era for Botswana, one where creativity, diversity, and human potential become the drivers of growth,” said Enyatseng. “Inclusion isn’t charity; it’s good business. We must unlock the economic power of those at the margins to build a resilient and prosperous nation.”
The Forum concluded with a Cocktail Reception and the Banana Club Block Party at Court Five, followed by a DJ Masterclass in collaboration with Thugsgiving at Zest Restaurant. Extending the Forum’s mission into creative practice and skills development.
Supported by The Other Foundation, LEGABIBO, Hilton Garden Inn and Degree Beverages, the Forum marked a defining moment for inclusive economic discourse in Botswana and beyond.
