The upcoming 2022 Forbes under 30 Summit billed for Kasane is expected to boost the economy of the Chobe District by addressing issues of youth unemployment and generate income for the local businesses.
The Forbes under 30 Summit is a six-day event that will bring together young Botswana business leaders, venture capitals and business role models, alongside the world’s most influential young entrepreneurs and innovators, to foster entrepreneurship in Botswana.
It will begin in Gaborone, where attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Botswana’s culture, while the rest of the summit will be held in Kasane, Chobe National Park. The submit will be held from the 24th to the 28th of April.
Chobe District Council Chairman, Amos Mabuku told this publication that they have progressed with the preparations through the District Organising Committee led by the District Commissioner in collaboration with the council.
Mabuku said they have also engaged the young entrepreneurs to sensitize them about the importance of this summit. Through the summit, Mabuku is hopeful that the youth in the Chobe District will be able to share their business ideas and experiences with international delegates to acquire business skills they can apply to improve their businesses.
With youth unemployment sky rocketing, Mabuku is however anticipative that the unemployment issues in his district will be addressed.
He said they will engage with the Chobe Land Board to allocate youth business plots so that they can establish businesses post the summit.
Mabuku added that they have also had some discussions with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture to review its processes of funding youth businesses.
In addition, the council chairman indicated that the committee also had some discussions with tourism operators to position themselves for the summit so as to derive benefits. Mabuku stated that a total of five lodges and hotels located along the Chobe River banks will be used to accommodate participants. This he said would market the tourism industry in the Chobe District and attract investors hence improving the economy of the district. He indicated that Mowana Lodge will be the main centre for all the summit activities.
‘The small entrepreneurs will also be able to sell their products to the summit attendants as such this would improve their livelihoods,” said Mabuku.
Forbes under 30 is a set of lists of people under 30 years published annually by Forbes magazine and some of its regional editions. The list captures the world’s most elite young entrepreneurs and game changers in their respective industries.
