Africa-Press – Botswana. Young entrepreneurs need to embrace the power of collective ingenuity and push beyond their comfort zones to create solutions that benefit all.
North West District Council chairperson, Mr Itumeleng Kelebetseng made the call during a recent three-day Maun Youth Business Expo, which was held under the theme; Impacting the Business World as Vibrant Youth of North West, saying they were not just the future, but were the driving force of today’s economy.
In the tourism sector, he appreciated that they were redefining experiences and putting Botswana on the global map while in services they were revolutionising industries with technology and customer-driven solutions.
In manufacturing, he said they were proving that local production could compete on a national and international scale and in agriculture, he appreciated that they were securing the future with sustainable and innovative farming practices.
“This theme is not just a statement but a call for action. It challenges us to recognise that we are not waiting for change, but we are creating it.
Pause for a moment and look around, see the diverse talents, the passionate minds, the collaborative spirit. This is the power of youth united,” he added.
Mr Kelebetseng acknowledged that the expo was more than just a platform for showcasing products and services, but a movement that fostered collaboration, inspired growth and created opportunities for youth-led enterprises to thrive.
Their energy, creativity, and adaptability, he said set them apart, and their success was a testament to the power of youth entrepreneurship.
However, he recognised that the journey was not without challenges, citing access to funding, market penetration, and sustainability as key hurdles.
But the true spirit of an entrepreneur, he said was not measured by the obstacles they face, but by their ability to turn challenges into opportunities.
“Today, you have a chance to network, learn, and showcase your ideas to potential investors and stakeholders who believe in your potential.
Let this be a reminder that investing in youth businesses is investing in the future of our economy. Let us work together to create an ecosystem that nurtures young entrepreneurs beyond this event,” he implored government, private sector and other stakeholders.
Mr Kelebetseng urged stakeholders to utilise the products and services produced by youth and also challenged them to adopt exhibitors and nurture them as part of their community social responsibility.
Young people were also encouraged to take their business obligations seriously, service their loans, submit annual tax returns and pay rentals. He advised those in partnerships to be faithful to the agreements and stop being their own competitors by engaging side jobs. Apprising youth entrepreneurs on tax obligations, Taxpayer Service Unit manager from Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS), Mr Gaone Motsumi emphasised the importance of paying tax and encouraged the youth to prioritise tax compliance to avoid fines.
Whether their businesses are making profits or not, he said they should always submit annual tax returns. Any business that generates P1 million in an annual basis and workers earning P4 000 and above should pay tax, he said,.
“As an employer it is upon you to deduct tax from their salaries and submit to BURS.
Tax returns are submitted either monthly, after two months or annually and being compliant makes it is easy to acquire tax clearance certificate,” added Mr Motsumi. Outlining the objectives of the expo, which attracted Youth Development Fund, Nyeletso Lehuma, gender affairs department beneficiaries as well as those in incubation with Local Enterprise Authority and those from cooperatives, district youth coordinator, Ms Tshoganetso Mahupe expressed concern about some projects collapsing due to lack of market.
Through the expo, she said they intended to motivate entrepreneurs and give them exposure so that they could showcase and sell their products and services and eventually contribute to the growth of the economy.
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