In a step toward reshaping Africa’s economic future, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship has launched a five-year collaboration with the Government of Botswana aimed at advancing prosperity through entrepreneurship and innovation.
The initiative, which kicked off with a series of dynamic events in Botswana’s capital last week, embodies a bold vision: to empower African entrepreneurs as drivers of sustainable growth and economic agency, moving beyond traditional aid models.
The collaboration began with a reunion of the Center’s Foundry Fellowship, a network of 22 seasoned entrepreneurs from across Africa who have completed the rigorous program and now form a vibrant community dedicated to strengthening innovation ecosystems on the continent.
Gathering in Botswana, these fellows recommitted to a shared vision of a prosperous Africa fueled by innovation-driven entrepreneurship. Several are exploring opportunities to expand their ventures into Botswana, signaling the country’s growing appeal as a hub for innovation.
The visit included a memorable dinner hosted by Botswana’s Vice President and Minister of Finance, the Honorable Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, who warmly welcomed the entrepreneurs: “Welcome home. You are always welcome home, and you will always be welcome home.”
Central to the week’s activities was the launch of the Early-Stage Entrepreneurship Program at the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub (BDIH). The program brought together 31 startups selected from over 1,300 applicants, representing diverse sectors such as agriculture, climate resilience, health, and digital services.
Over three days, these entrepreneurs engaged in intensive workshops led by MIT faculty and Africa-based founders, focusing on refining value propositions, developing scalable business models, and building the confidence to pitch to investors and partners both locally and across Africa. For many participants, the experience was transformative, laying the groundwork for their ventures to thrive.
“Botswana has made clear its intention to be a beacon for innovation and prosperity across Africa,” said Dina H. Sherif, Executive Director of the MIT Kuo Sharper Center. “This past week was more than a series of events. It was a signal to the world of what becomes possible when governments embrace the potential of entrepreneurship. From our conversations with the Honorable Vice President, Mr. Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, to the passionate young entrepreneurs in our bootcamp, we witnessed a national commitment to rewriting the narrative, not just for Botswana, but for Africa as a whole.”
The government echoed this enthusiasm. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Olesitse Masimega, described the collaboration as “a defining milestone for Botswana. It marks the building of bridges that will unlock new possibilities for our entrepreneurs, our citizens, and our economy.”
Further cementing the partnership’s long-term vision, the MIT Kuo Sharper Center also initiated preparations to replicate its flagship Student Fellowship program at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST).
This year-long academic initiative aims to nurture principled entrepreneurs through venture-building, leadership education, and professional advising. In parallel, plans are underway to establish the MIT Sandbox Program at BIUST, which offers seed funding, mentorship, and venture support to student entrepreneurs.
Dr. Jinane Abounadi, Executive Director of MIT Sandbox, and Dr. Marwan Hassoun, Director of Partnerships, joined key meetings with BIUST leadership, including Vice Chancellor Professor Otlogetswe Totolo, to lay the groundwork for these programs.
“It has been a true pleasure getting to meet the various leaders from the government, universities, and industry in Botswana supporting this partnership,” said Dr. Abounadi. “We had the opportunity to learn directly from students and faculty about their research, projects, and entrepreneurial ambitions. They are all enthusiastic about the potential of turning their ideas into impactful enterprises. We are looking forward to also giving the opportunity for our MIT students to interact with their Botswana counterparts and hope to see some collaborations emerging from those interactions.”
As the partnership between MIT’s Kuo Sharper Center, MIT Sandbox, the MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (REAP), and the Government of Botswana advances, it represents a pioneering model for sustainable prosperity grounded in local innovation and pan-African collaboration. The initiative seeks to inspire the continent to embrace a new calculus for global prosperity—one that positions Africa not as a recipient of aid, but as a powerful engine of growth and opportunity.
