These women are the backbone of Botswana’s informal economy, and the local telecommunications giant’s initiative aimed to celebrate, support, and scale their efforts. The WConnect event served as a platform for networking, a space for recognition, training, and transformation. The women, many of whom run small businesses while distributing the company’s products in their communities, represent the untapped potential of informal trade in Botswana. Mascom’s Head of Corporate Affairs, NAME noted that, they were not only businesswomen as they are community leaders, mothers, innovators and role models. “WConnect is our way of saying we see you, we value you, and we are here to walk this journey with you," she said.
“These women are doing incredible work, often with limited resources. Our role is to amplify their efforts by connecting them to finance, knowledge, and new markets." The event was made even more impactful through Mascom’s partnerships with institutions like Stanbic Bank and the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA), who provided vital resources in financial literacy, business development, and mentorship. By bringing these stakeholders together, Tshipa said Mascom is helping to build an ecosystem where informal women entrepreneurs are no longer on the margins, but at the centre of Botswana’s economic story. What sets WConnect apart is its deliberate focus on grassroots empowerment. While many empowerment initiatives target corporate women, Mascom is breaking the mould by investing in women who hustle daily in markets, streets, and small shops women who are often overlooked but are just as essential to national growth.
The WConnect initiative aligns with Mascom’s broader gender inclusivity strategy. Women already make up 49% of Mascom’s workforce and more than half of its executive team, a statistic that reflects the company’s deep-rooted belief in equity, not just in policy, but in practice. As the stories of bo Mma Sekhukhu echoed through the WConnect gathering stories of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication — one message stood out clearly; when women are given platforms, they do not just survive — they thrive. And when they thrive, communities and economies grow stronger. WConnect is not the end — it is a continuation of Mascom’s mission to drive inclusive, practical, and sustainable empowerment. Because true economic transformation starts with recognising the power in every woman — from the executive suite to the street vendor’s stall.
