Innovators shine at Women in Tech Accelerator Programme graduation
Lucy Kgweetsi | Wednesday November 19, 2025 06:24
These came to light last week Thursday when Standard Chartered Botswana, in partnership with Dream Factory Foundation, hosted the graduation and awards ceremony for the second cohort of the Women in Tech Accelerator Programme. In the process, over P700,000 in seed funding to six promising enterprises was handed out. The programme, now in its second year, equips women-led businesses with training, mentorship and networks in a bid to scale and sustain their impact. The 2025 cohort showcased innovative solutions across fintech, agriculture, e-commerce, and health and beauty, demonstrating that technology can transform industries in both urban and rural Botswana. “The Women in Tech programme is about more than funding, it is about building resilience, capacity, and opportunities for women entrepreneurs to thrive,” said Mpho Masupe, CEO of Standard Chartered Botswana.
“Through mentorship and access to networks, we want these businesses to not only survive but scale sustainably,” he added. Ticket Linc, founded by Kelly Ramputswa-Tlale, amongst the award winners, received the Sustainability and Growth Award for their innovative online ticketing platform, which is set to transform Botswana’s events sector. “Winning this award is not just validation for our work, it is motivation to grow and make event management more accessible for everyone,” Ramputswa-Tlale said. In agriculture, Spring Blossom, led by Kemosedile Begani, won the Innovation Award for its climate-smart vegetable production. “We want to show that environmental sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand,” Begani explained. Webmart, a digital services company, took the Technology Award, while Sediba Agtech, a refrigerated farm-to-market courier service, won the Best Pitch Award. Africa Pork, a circular pig-farming enterprise, earned the Pay-it-Forward Award for mentoring young girls, and Maru, an ethical fashion startup, received the Most Impactful Enterprise Award.
Assistant Minister of Trade & Entrepreneurship, Baratiwa Mathoothe, praised the programme for aligning with national priorities, “This initiative empowers women-led enterprises, bridges the gap between education, innovation, and market opportunities, and ensures women participate meaningfully in our economy,” he said. “To the graduates, you are not just business owners you are solution creators for your communities. Your stories should inspire others to believe that they too belong in boardrooms, innovation hubs, and investment tables.” Since its launch, the programme has supported 35 businesses, generating over P5 million in annual revenue, acquiring 8,292 new customers in the process and mentoring 102 young people. Participants like Ticket Linc and Spring Blossom illustrate how women are leveraging technology to create businesses that are both profitable and socially impactful.
“Being part of this programme has been transformative. It’s not just about growing my business, it’s about learning how to innovate, lead, and make an impact that lasts,” said Amantle Moahi of Webmart. The Women In Tech Accelerator is now firmly established as a platform where Botswana’s women entrepreneurs can thrive. Through training, mentorship, and funding, it is nurturing the next generation of leaders who are using technology to drive both economic growth and social change.