Young entrepreneurs in Maun have been urged to shift their focus beyond individual customers and adopt market-oriented strategies that align with broader economic demands.
The call was made by the Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Lesego Chombo, during her recent working visit to Maun, where she engaged with several youth-led enterprises funded through government empowerment programmes.
The visit reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to nurturing youth-led businesses by closely monitoring funded projects and helping them grow into lasting, impactful ventures. Speaking to the youth, Minister Chombo encouraged young business owners to position themselves competitively and sell with confidence.
She said while many startups in the region concentrate on serving small, localized markets, there is a growing need to think bigger by tapping into value chains, regional trade, and tourism-driven opportunities.
Maun, has in recent years seen a rise in youth-owned small businesses ranging from catering services and fashion design to mobile technology and creative arts. However, most of these enterprises remain informal and survivalist in nature, often relying on a narrow customer base within the village.
“There is room to grow into sustainable, impactful ventures. Youth must be confident, think big, and adopt pricing strategies that meet market expectations,” she said.
As part of her visit, Minister Chombo toured ‘The Rolling Pin Bakery, a local youth-run enterprise supported through government youth initiatives. She commended the team for their resilience in operating within a competitive environment.
“I am impressed by your hard work and commitment. Independence in business is crucial, and the fact that you are thriving in an industry with many players shows real strength,” Chombo remarked.
Cecilia Grey, an accountant at the bakery, shared some of the challenges they faced in the early stages, citing delays in obtaining a trading license as a major setback. “We struggled for nearly a year to get a license, which affected our operations and ability to grow,” she explained.
Despite the initial hurdles, the bakery has since made strides. It recently began supplying local schools with baked goods an achievement Grey said has boosted their visibility and confidence.
The young entrepreneurs used the opportunity to appeal for continued government support, particularly in expanding their reach beyond Maun and raising their profile in surrounding communities.
Minister Chombo reiterated the ministry’s commitment to empowering youth-owned businesses and encouraged them to leverage available programmes for growth and sustainability.
