The Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa will be returning to Botswana for the 2023 edition from the 23rd – 26th April 2023 under the theme, Entrepreneurial Africa—with Botswana at the center. This year, the Summit will be held over three days in Gaborone and is expected to harness the power of entrepreneurial capitalism amidst the continent whose growth will help define the 21st century. Forbes champions success by celebrating those who have made it, and those who aspire to make it. Forbes convenes and curates the most influential leaders and entrepreneurs who are driving change, transforming business, and making a significant impact in the world.
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As remarked by the President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi in 2022, the Forbes Under 30 Africa Summit has been very instrumental in aiding the youth of the world to become the torch bearers and change agents of development through entrepreneurship. It shows the power of hope in the young generations.
The Summit took place from 24th – 28th April 2022 in Gaborone and Kasane respectively where the Botswana specifically had a total of two hundred (200) local delegates across various sectors such as manufacturing, creativity & technology, fashion design, horticulture, to name a few. There was a total number of six hundred (600) delegates including those from Africa as well as other continents participating in the Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa 2022.
Across four days, guests explored the best of Botswana. Beginning in Gaborone, attendees heard from a wide section of speakers; both national and international, who spoke of their experiences in both Business and high-flying careers. Attendees were afforded the chance to immerse themselves into Botswana’s culture and experience the sounds and cuisine of local performers and chefs. Halfway through the event, attendees traveled to Kasane, the world’s largest elephant sanctuary, for a fully programmed agenda focused on sustainability, a sunset river cruise among hippos and crocodiles, and a one-day safari that ranks among the best in the world.
The biggest economic beneficiaries were transport operators; specifically, taxis who ferried delegates over the days, hotel industry, performing arts as well as events promoters. These industries were greatly affected by the lockdowns and slowdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and their resuscitation has been critical to the country.
As with every Under 30 Summit, the social and cultural opportunities will be worldclass. Participants and other stakeholders will get an opportunity to hear from government, venture capital and business role models, providing inspiration for the newest-and next-generation of leaders.
The Summit will also provide a platform for local performers, chefs and entrepreneurs, allowing participants from around the world to experience the sounds, cuisine and staples of local culture while engaging in unbeatable networking and pitching opportunities.
The Summit will be led by the newly established Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Botswana, which forms part of the two Thematic Working Groups (TWGs) being Sustainable Economic Development as well as Human and Social Development. The Ministry portfolio responsibilities include Enterprise Development & Coordination; Small Business Development Policy; Wealth Creation; Citizen
Economic Empowerment; Consumer Affairs; Economic Empowerment; Support for Innovative Tourism Projects; Business Consultancy & Advisory Service; Business Counselling & Mentoring; Consumer Cooperatives Development; Integrated Support to Small & Micro Enterprises.
