Botswana is stepping into the global spotlight—not for diamonds, but for digital innovation. In 2025, the country launched a transformative partnership with the MIT Kuo Center (Legatum Center), aiming to fuel entrepreneurship, support early-stage startups, and position Gaborone as a regional innovation hub for Southern Africa and beyond.
A Strategic Shift, Led by Local Champions
This multi-year collaboration brings together MIT’s global entrepreneurship expertise and Botswana’s push toward a diversified, knowledge-based economy.
It’s being led by Professor Otlogetswe Totolo, Vice Chancellor of the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), and Patricia Makepe, Dean of BIUST’s School of Business and Professional Development.
Together, they’re working to equip local innovators with the tools, mentorship, and networks needed to compete on a global scale.
Building Startups from the Ground Up
The initiative officially kicked off in July 2025 with a 10-day innovation bootcamp in Gaborone. It brought together 31 local entrepreneurs, who received hands-on mentorship from MIT faculty and access to high-impact workshops on pitching, product design, and venture scaling.
The program was co-hosted by the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub (BDIH) and the MIT Legatum Center, which has supported hundreds of ventures across emerging markets.
From Local Momentum to Continental Reach
Beyond startup acceleration, the partnership includes AI integration in public services, participation in MIT’s Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (REAP), and access to the Foundry Fellowship—a network of leading African entrepreneurs and changemakers.
These efforts align policy, academia, and business to create a thriving innovation ecosystem. Focus sectors include health, energy, agriculture, and digital inclusion—all tailored to Botswana’s development priorities.
Looking Ahead
This isn’t just a program—it’s a national signal. With the right partnerships, Botswana is laying the foundation for a future where innovation drives inclusive, sustainable growth.
Keep your eyes on Gaborone.
