Standard Chartered Botswana, in collaboration with partner, Dream Factory Foundation hosted the graduation and awards ceremony of the 2nd cohort of the Women in Tech Accelerator Programme, celebrating the achievements of dynamic female entrepreneurs using technology & innovation to drive business growth and social impact.
Now in it’s second year, the Standard Chartered Women in Tech Accelerator Programme continues to empower female-led businesses through training, mentorship and equity-free seed-funding of approximately P700,000 ($50,000). This year’s cohort brought together a group of innovative founders who have developed solutions across sectors such as fintech, agriculture, e-commerce, and health & beauty care— demonstrating the transformative power of digital innovation in Botswana’s economy.
“The Women in Tech programme has been a launchpad to boost sustainable economic growth in our local SME ecosystem. Through access to business coaching, a global network of potential investors and seed-funding, our goal is to provide these businesses with the necessary support to give them longevity and growth in Botswana and beyond.” Stated Mpho Masupe, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered speaking at the ceremony.
The programme ran over a 5-month period, providing participants with intensive business training, mentorship from industry experts, and access to networks that will enhance their commercialisation objectives. The ceremony concluded with 6 entrepreneurs being awarded their share of $50,000 to scale their businesses and expand their impact.
The winners of the 2nd edition were:
Sustainability and Growth Award winner worth $15,000 (Approximately P210,000): Ticket Linc, founded by Kelly Ramputswa-Tlale
- Ticket Linc is an online ticketing company that makes ticket sales convenient, secure and accessible. Kelly hopes to transform the eventing industry in Botswana, by enabling organisers access to valuable data that will enhance event attendees’ experiences.
- Ticket Linc won this award after demonstrating growth within the last 5 months that included scale in revenue, increased staff count and access to the market, demonstrating potential for sustainable growth.
Innovation Award winner worth $10,000 (Approximately P140,000): Spring Blossom, founded by Kemosedile Begani
- Spring Blossom is a horticulture agribusiness based in Kauxwi Village in Okavango
East that produces high-quality vegetables using climate-smart solutions like solar- powered drip irrigation. Kemosedile wants Spring Blossom to be synonymous with innovation and to lead the charge for environmentally friendly practices in food production in Botswana.
- Spring Blossom was the enterprise that became more innovative, refining its business operations and becoming more efficient over the last 5 months.
Technology Award winner worth $10,000 (Approximately P140,000): Webmart, founded by Amantle O. Moahi
- Webmart provides services that include website development, domain registration, email & web hosting and online marketing. Amantle aims to build Webmart into a key driver of digital transformation in Botswana & globally, and instil national pride through a strong digital presence.
- Webmart was the enterprise that became more tech-enabled in its operations and business model over the last 5 months.
Best Pitch Award winner worth $5,000 (Approximately P70,000): Sediba Agtech, founded by Oneile Lebonetse-Wale
- Sediba Agtech is a refrigerated courier company that transports fresh produce from farms to markets. Oneile aims to transform the agricultural logistics industry by ensuring that farmers have access to reliable transportation, reduce post-harvest losses and become a prominent voice within the food & beverages value chain in Botswana.
- Sediba Agtech presentation stood out as the most engaging during the pitch sessions, clearly outlining its unique value proposition, being delivered with passion, confidence and a lasting impression.
Pay-it-forward Award winner worth $5,000 (Approximately P70,000): Africa Pork, founded by Therisanyo Wendy Keabetswe
- Africa Pork is a circular farming business pioneering sustainable pig farming through a biogas-powered, mobile abattoir that travels directly to farms. This innovation allows for hygienic on-site meat processing while converting pig waste into clean energy and organic fertilizer to grow pig feed. Wendy hopes to inspire aspiring agri- entrepreneurs and encourage more innovative farming practices in Botswana.
- This award recognised Wendy’s exceptional efforts in empowering young girls aged 13 to 18 years old through mentorship and skills transfer, demonstrating the spirit of Botho.
Most Impactful Enterprise Award worth $5,000 (Approximately P70,000): Maru, founded by Sabine Moji Matsheka
- Maru creates high-quality, sustainable and timeless garments, joining the ethical fashion movement emerging within Africa. Through these garments, Sabine tells the contemporary story of Botswana’s people and land through conscious craftsmanship.
- Maru demonstrated a measurable and positive effect by building capacity within her community and harnessing their craftsmanship talent.
Assistant Minister of Trade & Entrepreneurship, Hon. Baratiwa Mathoothe congratulated the founders on this milestone and the Bank on their continued efforts to unlock Botswana’s entrepreneurial potential.
“The Women in Tech programme aligns to the National Entrepreneurship Policy’s key priorities that speak to empowering women-led enterprises to participate meaningfully in the economy, digitising SMEs to make them competitive and future-ready, and building partnerships that bridge the gap between education, innovation and market opportunities. To the graduates, you are not just business owners – you are solution creators for your communities. I hope your stories inspire others to believe that they too belong in boardrooms, innovation hubs and at investment tables.” Stated Hon. Mathoothe.
Since launching, the programme has supported 35 businesses. One of the key support has been through marketing the businesses which resulted in 85% of them increasing their customers; acquiring an additional 8292 customers, collectively. The businesses that have entered the programme have collectively generated over P5 million in annual revenue. And finally, 102 young people have been directly impacted through skills and knowledge mentorship by the participants, as part of paying it forward to the next generation. Women in Tech forms part of Standard Chartered’s global Futuremakers programme — the Bank’s community initiative aimed at tackling inequality by promoting economic inclusion for young people and women around the world.
