Botswana Diaspora Hub Launch
Boi Kgathi Rasmussen, an award-winning Motswana tech entrepreneur and recognized leader in digital innovation, has launched the Botswana Diaspora Hub, a transformative platform designed to connect Batswana living abroad, promote personal growth, and drive sustainable development in Botswana.
Rasmussen is widely recognized for her pioneering work in digital innovation, having founded Yamee/MyFoodness, an eCommerce platform that revolutionized the digital landscape in Botswana and successfully expanded to markets in Tanzania, South Africa, and beyond. Her groundbreaking contributions to technology and entrepreneurship have earned her recognition as one of Africa’s Top 50 Digital Champions, Best Startup by Southern Africa Startup Awards, and a Seedstars honoree.
In addition to her entrepreneurial accomplishments, Boi Kgathi Rasmussen leads the AI education program at Women in AI in Europe. Her work focuses on upskilling women and minorities to become AI and data experts, empowering them to enter the tech industry and use artificial intelligence as a tool for societal growth. By promoting inclusivity in AI, she is helping diversify the tech workforce and ensuring that women and underrepresented groups are equipped with the skills to shape the future of technology.
Speaking about the launch of the platform, Rasmussen said:
“To me, it makes perfect sense to launch this Botswana Diaspora Hub. The Botswana diaspora accounts for approximately 3% of our total population, with around 87,000 citizens living abroad. Remarkably, their remittances contribute 0.3% to our GDP, equating to roughly $58 million annually. This underscores the critical role our diaspora plays in strengthening economic ties and fostering global connections that benefit our nation.”
The Botswana Diaspora Hub offers members of the diaspora a unique opportunity to not only share job opportunities but also to help each other secure better-paying positions, enabling them to send more money back home to support their families and communities. The platform encourages users to expand their professional networks, enhancing career prospects across borders.
Additionally, the Hub facilitates mentorship opportunities, allowing members to request guidance from within the diaspora’s extensive pool of expertise. Whether for personal development or to support others back home in Botswana, members can seek mentorship tailored to their specific needs.
The platform also serves as a valuable resource for continuous learning and upskilling. Members will share free courses, workshops, and other educational opportunities to help individuals both in the diaspora and in Botswana enhance their skills and increase their employability.
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A key feature of the Botswana Diaspora Hub is the space it provides for engaging in discussions about ideas for Botswana’s economic development. Members can collaborate, brainstorm, and develop initiatives aimed at driving long-term growth and innovation in their home country.
Moreover, the Hub aims to create lasting impact by establishing an Impact Investment Fund to support female and youth-led businesses in Botswana, further fueling entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices.
Through these initiatives, the Botswana Diaspora Hub is creating a dynamic environment where Batswana can not only grow individually but also contribute meaningfully to the prosperity of their home country. By connecting the global expertise and resources of the diaspora, the platform empowers members to unlock opportunities for themselves and drive positive change in Botswana.
Boi Kgathi Rasmussen sees this initiative as a powerful way to harness the collective talent and resources of the diaspora for the betterment of Botswana, creating a strong foundation for the nation’s future.
For more information or to join the Botswana Diaspora Hub, which is exclusively for Batswana in the diaspora, visit the LinkedIn page: Botswana Diaspora Hub.
