A total of 20 female entrepreneurs have completed the Women in Tech (WiT) Accelerator Programme, a Standard Chartered Botswana initiative aimed at fostering innovation and bridging gender disparities in the technology and business sectors.
The programme, which was launched in 2024, culminated in a pitch competition where six winners shared $50, 000 in seed funding. It provided participants with mentorship, business development support, and networking opportunities. Standard Chartered Botswana CEO, Mpho Masupe, highlighted the initiative’s broader impact. “Through Women in Tech, we are not only empowering women but also creating a ripple effect of innovation and growth in Botswana’s technology and entrepreneurship landscape,” he said.
The Sustainability and Growth Award, valued at $15, 000, was awarded to Matlhogonolo Seadimo, founder of Mattie’s Success, her Maun-based hair manufactures synthetic fibre from recycled plastics. On the other hand, the award recognised businesses that have demonstrated growth in revenue, staffing and market access over the past six months. Two entrepreneurs each received $10, 000 under the Innovation and Technology category. They are Keitumetse Ketlhoilwe, founder of Yummy Farms, who won the Most Innovative Award, while Lebogang G. Solomon, founder of LGS International, received the Most Tech-Enabled Award for the development of Ikatise, an app assisting learners in obtaining a Class B driver’s license. Ontifile Gaokgorwe, founder of The Bees Hive Academy, won the Best Pitch Award, receiving $5, 000 for delivering the most compelling business presentation.
The Bees Hive Academy offers early childhood education tailored to children with diverse learning needs. The Pay-it-Forward Award, also worth $5, 000, was awarded to Kealeboga Merafhe Siwawa, founder of Nthoppa, a data-driven platform that connects underserved populations with financial services, education, and healthcare. The award acknowledged her efforts in mentoring young female entrepreneurs aged 12-19. Heather Monare, founder of Hatherleigh Co., received the Most Impactful Enterprise Award, securing $5, 000. Her company provides branding and digital marketing services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enhancing their visibility and scalability. The WiT Botswana Accelerator Programme was implemented in collaboration with the Dream Factory Foundation Botswana, an organisation with experience in fostering entrepreneurship in Southern Africa. According to Masupe, initiatives such as Women in Tech align with Botswana’s emerging business landscape. “The will and ambition of young entrepreneurs is there. Our role as Standard Chartered is to further strengthen the economic infrastructure that will help these new businesses scale and become more sustainable,” he added.
Masupe also commended the 20 graduates for their resilience and encouraged them to continue their entrepreneurial pursuits. “You are now part of a powerful global network of women who are driving change, and I have no doubt that each of you will go on to achieve great things,” he said.
