Africa-Press – Botswana. The Gaborone Bonnington North Constituency, in partnership with Market Players, has launched the GBN Youthpreneur Challenge to address youth unemployment and promote entrepreneurship. The initiative was unveiled this afternoon by the Assistant Minister for State President and Member of Parliament for Gaborone Bonnington North, Hon. Maipelo Mophuting.
Botswana’s youth unemployment rate stands at 45.4%, posing one of the country’s most pressing socio-economic challenges. The GBN Youthpreneur Challenge aims to confront this issue by equipping young people with practical entrepreneurial skills, access to mentorship, and funding opportunities.
Speaking during the launch, Hon. Mophuting described the initiative as a turning point for the constituency. “The GBN Youthpreneur Challenge will transform lives, create opportunities, and rewrite the story of this constituency. I deeply appreciate the business community and all stakeholders here today—your presence shows your commitment to working together to empower our youth,” she said.
The programme will run for nine months and will target 35 youth-owned businesses. Participants will undergo structured training, mentorship, and coaching designed to enhance their business acumen and market readiness. At the end of the process, 10 entrepreneurs will be selected to receive funding to scale their enterprises.
Hon. Mophuting urged young people in Gaborone Bonnington North to embrace innovation and creativity, emphasizing that entrepreneurship provides a viable pathway to economic independence. She added that the involvement of private sector players and local leaders demonstrates the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable change.
By bringing together government, community, and business support, the GBN Youthpreneur Challenge seeks to nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs who can generate jobs, boost local economies, and contribute to national development. The initiative reflects Botswana’s growing focus on youth empowerment as a strategy to address unemployment and unlock long-term economic growth.
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