• Connect2Success Youth Summit slated for Sept 13th
The upcoming Connect2Success Youth Summit slated for September 12-13 themed ‘Pioneering Innovative Approaches: Exploring New Connections for Faster Growth and Long-Term Viability’, promises to become a pivotal event in Botswana’s entrepreneurial calendar.
Spearheaded by a team of youth aged 19 to 25, the summit aims to bridge the gap between the informal and formal sectors for small-scale entrepreneurs. The event will feature over 35 speakers, including prominent figures like Mompoloki Mogobi, Basadi Molelekeng, Thobo Khathola, and Kago Keotshwaetse who are expected to share their insights on topics crucial to the success of young businesspeople. They will cover areas such as the future of youth entrepreneurship in Botswana and the role of digital media in business growth.
Bryan Shabane, the summit’s organising founder emphasised its focus on providing practical experiences for young entrepreneurs.
“Our aim is to go beyond mere discussions and provide a comprehensive experience that equips young business owners with actionable skills and real-world networking opportunities,” Shabane stated.
“We envision this summit as a key annual event that drives meaningful progress and positive change in Botswana’s entrepreneurial landscape.”
Shabane highlighted the need for a hands-on approach to learning. “It’s not just about talking; it’s about doing. We want participants to leave with new skills, valuable connections, and the confidence to take their businesses to the next level,” he said.
The Connect2Success Youth Summit will delve into several vital themes, each carefully selected to address the unique challenges and opportunities young entrepreneurs face in Botswana. Among these themes are: The Future of Youth Entrepreneurship in Botswana. This session will explore the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship in Botswana, focusing on emerging opportunities.
“We are seeing a shift towards more innovative and tech-driven businesses among the youth, and this summit will explore how they can leverage these trends,” Shabane said.
Another focus area will be; Building Resilient Business Models for Sustainable Growth: Creating a successful and sustainable business model is one of the biggest challenges for young entrepreneurs. This session will offer practical advice on building business models that can withstand economic fluctuations and other challenges.
“Resilience is key in today’s volatile market. We want to arm our participants with the knowledge to build businesses that last,” Shabane added.
Another speaker will cover Overcoming Market Penetration Challenges: Breaking into new markets can be daunting for many entrepreneurs. This discussion is expected to focus on strategies for overcoming market entry barriers, with insights from experts who have successfully navigated these hurdles.
“Access to markets is one of the biggest challenges for our youth, and this summit will provide strategies to overcome these barriers,” Shabane noted.
"The Role of Digital Media in Business Expansion: In the digital age, leveraging online platforms is essential for business growth. This session will explore how entrepreneurs can use digital tools to expand their businesses, reach new customers, and increase their market presence,” Shabane remarked, adding that “Digital media is a game-changer, and we want our participants to fully understand its potential for business growth.”
In addition, there will be focus on Innovative Business Models in the Digital Age: Staying competitive in today’s fast-paced environment requires innovation.
This discussion will highlight some of the most ground-breaking business models emerging in the digital age and how young entrepreneurs can adopt these strategies.
“Innovation is not just about technology; it’s about rethinking how business is done. That’s the mindset we want to instil,” Shabane said.
Leveraging Technology for Business Growth: Technology is a powerful driver of business success, and this session will explore how entrepreneurs can harness technological advancements to streamline operations, drive innovation, and scale their businesses.
“We live in a digital world, and technology is at the heart of business success today,” Shabane emphasised. In addition to these panel discussions, the summit will offer workshops focused on providing participants with practical skills and knowledge.
Topics will include Women in Entrepreneurship, Crafting a Winning Business Pitch, and Navigating Regulatory Challenges for Start-ups. These sessions are tailored to meet the specific needs of young business owners, providing valuable insights and tools they can directly apply to their enterprises.
One of the summit’s most significant features is the networking opportunities it offers. The organisers have ensured that participants have ample chances to connect with mentors, potential investors, and peers.
On September 13th, an exhibition area will allow businesses to showcase their products and services while engaging directly with industry stakeholders.
“Networking is at the core of business success,” Shabane explained. “This summit isn’t just about learning; it’s about connecting. We’re providing a platform for young entrepreneurs to meet the people who can help them grow their businesses.”
The networking sessions are designed to foster meaningful connections and collaborations, essential for business growth and success. By bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, the summit aims to create a vibrant ecosystem that supports innovation and entrepreneurship in Botswana.
While the summit’s primary focus is on entrepreneurship, it also aligns with broader community development goals in Botswana. In the lead-up to the event, the organising team has engaged in various outreach activities, including donating sanitary pads to schools and NGOs.
The summit is supported by several local companies, including Naledi Motors, NTT Botswana, Regent Select Hotel Group, and Virgin Active. It has also received endorsements from the Botswana National Youth Council, the Ministry of Youth, and the Ministry of Entrepreneurship.
These partnerships reflect the widespread recognition of the event’s significance and the collective effort to support youth empowerment in Botswana. While the summit will be held as an in-person event, it will not be available online for general attendees. However, several international panellists will participate virtually, bringing global perspectives to the discussions.
By focusing on practical skills, real-world networking, and community impact, the summit aims to make a lasting difference in the lives of young entrepreneurs and the broader society.
Spearheaded by a team of youth aged 19 to 25, the summit aims to bridge the gap between the informal and formal sectors for small-scale entrepreneurs. The event will feature over 35 speakers, including prominent figures like Mompoloki Mogobi, Basadi Molelekeng, Thobo Khathola, and Kago Keotshwaetse who are expected to share their insights on topics crucial to the success of young businesspeople. They will cover areas such as the future of youth entrepreneurship in Botswana and the role of digital media in business growth.
Bryan Shabane, the summit’s organising founder emphasised its focus on providing practical experiences for young entrepreneurs.
“Our aim is to go beyond mere discussions and provide a comprehensive experience that equips young business owners with actionable skills and real-world networking opportunities,” Shabane stated.
“We envision this summit as a key annual event that drives meaningful progress and positive change in Botswana’s entrepreneurial landscape.”
Shabane highlighted the need for a hands-on approach to learning. “It’s not just about talking; it’s about doing. We want participants to leave with new skills, valuable connections, and the confidence to take their businesses to the next level,” he said.
The Connect2Success Youth Summit will delve into several vital themes, each carefully selected to address the unique challenges and opportunities young entrepreneurs face in Botswana. Among these themes are: The Future of Youth Entrepreneurship in Botswana. This session will explore the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship in Botswana, focusing on emerging opportunities.
“We are seeing a shift towards more innovative and tech-driven businesses among the youth, and this summit will explore how they can leverage these trends,” Shabane said.
Another focus area will be; Building Resilient Business Models for Sustainable Growth: Creating a successful and sustainable business model is one of the biggest challenges for young entrepreneurs. This session will offer practical advice on building business models that can withstand economic fluctuations and other challenges.
“Resilience is key in today’s volatile market. We want to arm our participants with the knowledge to build businesses that last,” Shabane added.
Another speaker will cover Overcoming Market Penetration Challenges: Breaking into new markets can be daunting for many entrepreneurs. This discussion is expected to focus on strategies for overcoming market entry barriers, with insights from experts who have successfully navigated these hurdles.
“Access to markets is one of the biggest challenges for our youth, and this summit will provide strategies to overcome these barriers,” Shabane noted.
"The Role of Digital Media in Business Expansion: In the digital age, leveraging online platforms is essential for business growth. This session will explore how entrepreneurs can use digital tools to expand their businesses, reach new customers, and increase their market presence,” Shabane remarked, adding that “Digital media is a game-changer, and we want our participants to fully understand its potential for business growth.”
In addition, there will be focus on Innovative Business Models in the Digital Age: Staying competitive in today’s fast-paced environment requires innovation.
This discussion will highlight some of the most ground-breaking business models emerging in the digital age and how young entrepreneurs can adopt these strategies.
“Innovation is not just about technology; it’s about rethinking how business is done. That’s the mindset we want to instil,” Shabane said.
Leveraging Technology for Business Growth: Technology is a powerful driver of business success, and this session will explore how entrepreneurs can harness technological advancements to streamline operations, drive innovation, and scale their businesses.
“We live in a digital world, and technology is at the heart of business success today,” Shabane emphasised. In addition to these panel discussions, the summit will offer workshops focused on providing participants with practical skills and knowledge.
Topics will include Women in Entrepreneurship, Crafting a Winning Business Pitch, and Navigating Regulatory Challenges for Start-ups. These sessions are tailored to meet the specific needs of young business owners, providing valuable insights and tools they can directly apply to their enterprises.
One of the summit’s most significant features is the networking opportunities it offers. The organisers have ensured that participants have ample chances to connect with mentors, potential investors, and peers.
On September 13th, an exhibition area will allow businesses to showcase their products and services while engaging directly with industry stakeholders.
“Networking is at the core of business success,” Shabane explained. “This summit isn’t just about learning; it’s about connecting. We’re providing a platform for young entrepreneurs to meet the people who can help them grow their businesses.”
The networking sessions are designed to foster meaningful connections and collaborations, essential for business growth and success. By bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, the summit aims to create a vibrant ecosystem that supports innovation and entrepreneurship in Botswana.
While the summit’s primary focus is on entrepreneurship, it also aligns with broader community development goals in Botswana. In the lead-up to the event, the organising team has engaged in various outreach activities, including donating sanitary pads to schools and NGOs.
The summit is supported by several local companies, including Naledi Motors, NTT Botswana, Regent Select Hotel Group, and Virgin Active. It has also received endorsements from the Botswana National Youth Council, the Ministry of Youth, and the Ministry of Entrepreneurship.
These partnerships reflect the widespread recognition of the event’s significance and the collective effort to support youth empowerment in Botswana. While the summit will be held as an in-person event, it will not be available online for general attendees. However, several international panellists will participate virtually, bringing global perspectives to the discussions.
By focusing on practical skills, real-world networking, and community impact, the summit aims to make a lasting difference in the lives of young entrepreneurs and the broader society.
