Journey of Celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024 in Botswana

Newsletter: Journey of Celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024 in Botswana

Dear Readers,

As the curtains close on this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2024 in Botswana, we look back with immense pride and gratitude at the journey we have embarked on together. This week has been nothing short of extraordinary—a vibrant celebration of innovation, resilience, and collaboration among entrepreneurs from all walks of life.

A Week to Remember

From November 18th to November 20th, Botswana became the hub of entrepreneurial energy. Themed around "Empowering Change through Innovation", GEW 2024 highlighted critical sectors such as renewable energy, agritech, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation, offering a platform for creators, dreamers, and doers to converge, share, and inspire.

The hybrid format allowed us to reach participants across the globe, with one day dedicated to an in-person event that fostered invaluable networking opportunities. The support of Botho University, which hosted part of our sessions, added a layer of community spirit, ensuring accessibility for local innovators and students.

Today’s Special Moments

This morning, I had the privilege of virtually attending the GEW 2024 celebration and delivering a speech on “Why LinkedIn is a Game-Changer for Entrepreneurs.” I shared insights into how LinkedIn empowers professionals to build networks, showcase expertise, and explore opportunities. It was inspiring to connect with a global audience and emphasize the importance of leveraging digital platforms for entrepreneurial growth.

Later, as part of the official closing of GEW 2024, I joined my incredible team to reflect on this transformative week. Together, we celebrated the milestones we’ve achieved, the ideas we’ve nurtured, and the connections we’ve fostered. This moment marks the end of this year’s event but the beginning of countless new possibilities for Botswana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

As I shared during the event, “Entrepreneurship is not just about ideas—it’s about action, connection, and resilience. Platforms like LinkedIn remind us that the right network can turn aspirations into achievements.”

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments and Key Highlights

A heartfelt thank you to all those who made GEW 2024 a success. Special appreciation goes to the U.S. Embassy in Gaborone and Ambassador for their valuable support. It was a great honor to receive my certificate from the Ambassador, reinforcing the commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Botswana and beyond.

We are also grateful for the sponsorship by Okavango Diamond Company, whose generous support helped make this event possible. Okavango Diamond Company, known for its responsible and sustainable approach to diamond mining, plays a key role in Botswana’s economy and is a proud partner in empowering future entrepreneurs. Their contributions not only support the event but also drive the mission of fostering responsible and impactful business practices in the region.

None of this would have been possible without the collective effort of our stakeholders, partners, and sponsors. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Pulaspace, whose sponsorship allowed us to support young talents and bring our vision to life. A special thank you to Minister Salima Monorma Bah for her invaluable support and guidance, as well as the University of Botswana for opening its doors to nurture entrepreneurial minds.

Other important achievement:

1. Workshops & Panels: Experts delved into pressing topics such as sustainable business models, AI integration, and growth strategies for entrepreneurs.
2. Showcases: 20 Innovators presented groundbreaking solutions in renewable energy, agritech, and technology, inspiring us with their passion and creativity.
3. Student Engagement: We were delighted to sponsor 10 students, empowering future leaders to learn, connect, and grow through this transformative experience.
4. Networking & Collaboration: Entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders came together to share ideas and form partnerships that will drive future ventures.

Celebrating Culture and Innovation

Another highlight of GEW 2024 was the Culture Night, an inspiring event that brought together entrepreneurs and attendees to celebrate Botswana’s rich heritage. The night showcased the vibrant culture of Botswana through music, dance, and storytelling, reinforcing the importance of blending culture with innovation to create a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Looking Ahead

As we wrap up GEW 2024, we are filled with excitement for what lies ahead. This is not the end; it’s just the beginning of greater opportunities, stronger collaborations, and bold innovations. Botswana has shown that it is a beacon for entrepreneurial growth, and we can’t wait to see how the ideas sparked this week evolve into impactful solutions for the world.

Thank you team Nahid Akter Khan and Mooketsi Bennedict Tekere

"Global Entrepreneurship Week is more than an event; it’s a movement that fuels innovation, empowers change-makers, and builds a future where entrepreneurial dreams become realities."

We invite you to stay connected, share your stories, and be part of this growing community. Together, we can create a thriving ecosystem for entrepreneurs that transcends borders and empowers change.          

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Here's to the spirit of entrepreneurship and the limitless possibilities it brings!          

Warm regards,

Khan Farhana

Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024 Team, Botswana