Visa, the global leader in digital payments, has announced the launch of its She’s Next program in Botswana, offering women entrepreneurs access to grant funding, tailored training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open, with over BWP 740,000 in grants available to support female-led businesses.
According to the World Bank, women accounted for 46.9% of Botswana’s labor force in 2024, yet their participation still trails behind men, with 63.8% of women active in the workforce compared to 73.4% of men. Despite this gap, Botswana has made significant strides in gender representation, with women holding 52.7% of senior and middle management positions in 2023—placing the country among the global leaders in female leadership.
Salome Makau, Country Manager for Visa Southern Africa, emphasized the program’s importance, stating, “Bringing She’s Next to Botswana marks a significant step in our commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs. These business leaders are key drivers of economic growth, and through this program, we aim to equip them with the tools and support needed to grow their businesses and uplift their communities.”
The initiative, which has already seen success in South Africa, Kenya, and Côte d’Ivoire, provides not only financial support but also capacity-building training designed to help women scale their enterprises. Visa’s broader efforts include digitizing millions of small and micro businesses (SMBs) worldwide, with the Visa Foundation committing $1 million in Sub-Saharan Africa to support SMB-focused organizations through grants and impact investments.
Women entrepreneurs across all industries in Botswana are encouraged to apply before the deadline. For more information and to submit an application, visit Visa’s She’s Next Botswana page. Winners will be announced later this year. About Visa Inc.Visa (NYSE: V) is a global leader in digital payments, enabling secure transactions across more than 200 countries and territories. Committed to inclusive economic growth, Visa supports businesses and individuals through innovative financial solutions. Learn more at Visa.com.
