De Beers supports youth development

The De Beers Group of Companies has set up an innovators Hub at the 2017 Diacore Marathon, to build on the De Beers Youth Innovators Botswana initiative which was launched in 2016.
The company has supported 15 youth innovative entrepreneurs and 32 athletes from the 16 Districts across the country. This forms part of De Beers’ ongoing collaboration with Botswana’s Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development and in support of the country’s Vision 2036 pillar on Human and Social Development, towards fostering prosperity for all through investment in youth participation.

Meanwhile, the 2016 youth innovators Botswana platform was meant to showcase the entrepreneurial skills of young entrepreneurs. This year, 15 youth entrepreneurs had an opportunity to exhibit their products and services at the De Beers Youth Innovators Hub set up at the Diacore Marathon this past weekend.

Furthermore, through collaboration with PGM Foundation and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, De Beers identified and sponsored 32 Athletes from 16 districts to participate in the grand race.
“One of our focus areas is human and social development. Through developing key initiatives, we aim to improve the lives of youth and the community in collaboration with strategic partners, it is through this marathon that we drive youth empowerment and participation’’ said Pat Dambe, Vice President - Corporate Affairs & Government Relations at De Beers Global Sight-holder Sales.

Since the inception of the De Beers Youth Innovators Botswana programme, the initiative has opened doors for the youth and hasyielded results giving entrepreneurs access to market, allowing them to grow sustainable businesses which lead to employment opportunities in the long term - ultimately contributing towards building a diverse economy.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Kago Ramokate, hailed the initiative as “inspiring,”, particularly that the ministry is not its lead driver.
“For us to continue building and growing Botswana to its full potential, it is imperative that we build ongoing public-private partnerships whereby we enable the youth to contribute to the economy.
The De Beers Youth Innovators Botswana initiative is a prime example of how business investment in youth development can yield tangible results for the country,” said the PS.