The Batswana Entrepreneurs Rural Incubation Hub (BERIH) is a 6-month hybrid incubation program designed to empower rural entrepreneurs, particularly youth and women, by addressing systemic barriers such as limited market access, weak compliance, financial exclusion, skills gaps, and the digital divide.  

Through a blend of enterprise development training, mentorship, financial facilitation, market linkages, and digital onboarding, participants will gain the knowledge, systems, and networks required to operate effectively, compliantly, and sustainably.  

This program adds value by: 

• Formalizing informal enterprises.
• Enhancing market visibility through media platforms and curated showcases.
• Empowering rural MSMEs with incubation and enterprise development support. 
• Promote inclusivity by prioritizing youth, women, and underserved communities.
• Facilitate access to finance via literacy programs, seed funding, and partnerships.
• Connecting rural MSMEs to national and regional value chains. 

Program Implementors

The project is founded and led by Batswana Entrepreneurs, a youth-led social enterprise committed to inclusive socio-economic growth and fostering for development of sustainable MSME’s in Botswana.

Project Lead: William Mmasekawana (Batswana Entrepreneurs Founder)

Mr Mmasekawana is an award-winning innovator (Young Africa Leaders Initiative Innovation Challenge 2024), Policy contributor (Y20 South Africa 2025 Working group member) and an ecosystem builder for rural entrepreneurship with experience from international entrepreneurial programs.He is also a Anzisha Mastercard fellow and a YALI alumni.

Batswana Entrepreneurs team and partner facilitators includes experienced entrepreneurs and professionals with a track record of supporting MSMEs in Botswana.

Batswana Entrepreneurs Mission Aligned to SDGs

1. SDG 1 – No Poverty

- Mission Link: Empowering rural MSMEs with incubation, financial literacy, and seed funding reduces poverty by creating sustainable livelihoods.  

- Impact: Supporting women and youth-led enterprises increases household income and resilience in rural communities.  

2. SDG 5 – Gender Equality

- Mission Link: BERIH cohorts intentionally prioritize 40% women entrepreneurs.  

- Impact: Promotes women’s economic empowerment, leadership, and equal participation in entrepreneurship.  

3. SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

- Mission Link: B.E. builds capacity for MSMEs, strengthens financial literacy, and creates market linkages.  

- Impact: Drives job creation, supports inclusive growth, and contributes to Botswana’s economic diversification agenda.  

4. SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

- Mission Link: Establishing the Rural Incubation Hub (BERIH) provides infrastructure for innovation in underserved areas.  

- Impact: Encourages entrepreneurship in agriculture, renewable energy, waste management, and digital trade.  

5. SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities

- Mission Link: Inclusion targets (youth, marginalized groups, persons with disabilities) ensure equitable access to opportunities.  

- Impact: Reduces structural barriers and promotes inclusive participation in economic development.  

6. SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

- Mission Link: B.E. actively seeks collaborations with development agencies, corporates, and youth networks.  

- Impact: Strengthens ecosystems through shared resources, mentorship, and cross-border cooperation.  

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Summary Statement

Batswana Entrepreneurs Ecosystem (B.E.) contributes directly to SDGs by empowering rural MSMEs, promoting gender equality, driving inclusive economic growth, and building innovation infrastructure. Its mission is to transform rural entrepreneurship into a driver of poverty reduction, equality, and sustainable development across Botswana and Southern Africa.

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