CEDA/DBSA University Challenge Is Here
Pauline Dikuelo | Monday April 29, 2019 13:28
The Challenge is a collaborative effort of CEDA and the Development Bank of Southern Africa and delivered as a youth innovative solutions competition. Since its inception two years ago, the Challenge continues to grow from strength to strength.
This year’s prize money has increased by P100, 000 to P300, 000 with an extra P50, 000 should the winner be female as a way to promote women empowerment. Speaking during the launch recently, CEDA head of marketing and communications, Anno Tshipa said the challenge has managed to stay true to its objectives and mandate of identifying practical and market-oriented solutions that have the potential to solve the myriad of problems faced by Botswana.
“This year’s theme ‘Botswana Unemployment’ is aimed at identifying practical solutions to addressing challenges in Botswana, which include mobilising innovation enablers from all sectors and inspiring youth to deliver practical market-oriented solutions that support national priorities,” she said.
According to Tshipa, they have added three more tertiary institutions; New Era College, AFDA and MANCOSA to the participating 16.
The Challenge came as a result of the World Federation of Development Finance Institutions 3rd Joint CEO Forum that was hosted in Gaborone by CEDA. Tshipa added that they have introduced an After Care Programme, which incubates finalists, winners and participants of the programme for three years. She said the programme provides mentorship and assists some of the viable projects to get them off the ground.
“The programme is for all students who participated in the challenge wanting to proceed with their projects,” Tshipa said.
“We have hired experienced experts to provide mentorship where necessary.”