Institute of Entrepreneurial Development - IED

22/08/2026

As FNBB turns 35, we celebrate a bank that continues to invest in Botswana and its people. Through the FNB Foundation and initiatives such as the First Youth Programme, FNBB has helped empower young Batswana to pursue entrepreneurship and meaningful livelihoods. Happy 35th Birthday to our bank of choice! 🎉💙

From all of us at IED

September is more than our birthday month, it's a celebration of 35 years of growing, achieving and building together with you.

This celebration is yours.

20/08/2026

FIRST YOUTH SESSIONS

As we approach the end of First Youth Cohort 11, yesterday and today we had the pleasure of hosting the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) at the First Youth Centre for practical sessions on Business Planning, facilitated by Kgopotso Seitshiro.

Kgopotso took our participants through the fundamentals of developing a solid business plan and understanding how to translate a business idea into a clear and viable business proposition.
We extend our sincere appreciation to LEA for its continued support of the First Youth Programme. Over the years, LEA has consistently made itself available whenever we have reached out, generously sharing its knowledge, expertise and guidance with our young entrepreneurs.

As Cohort 11 draws to a close, engagements such as these are particularly important in preparing our participants for the next stage of their entrepreneurial journeys.

Thank you, Kgopotso and LEA, for always answering the call.

FNBF and IED, a partnership that empowers the youth!

12/08/2026

FIRST YOUTH SESSIONS

Yesterday, we were delighted to welcome back Ms. Wazha Stanley-Clement, General Manager of Champs Botswana, for an insightful session with our First Youth participants on Bookkeeping for Entrepreneurs. This was Wazha’s third time sharing her knowledge with First Youth, and we are truly grateful for her continued commitment to developing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

With a professional background spanning finance, accounting, economics and business management, Wazha brings practical industry experience into the classroom. She joined Champs Botswana in 2013 as an Administrative Accountant, progressed to Finance & Accounts Manager, and today serves as the company’s General Manager.

During yesterday’s session, she took participants through the fundamentals of bookkeeping and helping them understand an important business lesson: you cannot effectively manage a business if you do not understand your numbers. From keeping proper financial records and tracking income and expenses to understanding the financial position of a business, good bookkeeping provides entrepreneurs with the information they need to make better decisions and build sustainable enterprises.

At First Youth, we believe entrepreneurship education becomes even more powerful when young people learn directly from experienced practitioners who have walked the journey.

Thank you, Wazha, for coming back once again to invest your time, knowledge and experience in our young people.

FNBF and IED, a partnership that empowers the youth!

06/08/2026

FIRST YOUTH SESSIONS

Today, our First Youth participants had the privilege of learning from Obakeng Matlou, Founder of Dikgosi Media. We were pleased to welcome him back after first hosting him in 2016 during our Deep Dive Fridays networking sessions in Gaborone. A decade later, we remain grateful for his continued investment in Botswana’s next generation of entrepreneurs.

Obakeng shared his journey in branding and communications, beginning in South Africa where he worked with global brands such as Adidas and Samsung, and later contributing to Botswana brands including Brand Botswana and Mascom.

He encouraged participants to dream boldly, reminding them that great businesses start with great dreams and that passion leads to excellence.

The session explored the meaning of branding. He challenged participants to rethink it, explaining that a brand is not what we think of our business, but what others think of it. He highlighted that a key sign of a strong brand is a returning customer, built on trust, consistency, and experience.

He also emphasised professionalism from the start of the entrepreneurial journey—from using professional email addresses to presenting oneself with confidence and taking one’s business seriously. How entrepreneurs present themselves, he noted, shapes how the market perceives them.

At IED, we remain committed to exposing our participants to industry leaders whose experience inspires them to build businesses that are profitable, respected, and built to last.

FNBF and IED, a partnership that empowers the youth!

04/08/2026

FIRST YOUTH SESSIONS

Today's First Youth session gave participants the opportunity to learn from two outstanding industry practitioners who shared practical insights on entrepreneurship, sales and branding.

We were privileged to host Mr. Aljay Weale, Founder of Green Arrow Transport Botswana and Momentum Lab™. Drawing from a career spanning more than twenty roles across three countries, Aljay shared practical lessons on resilience, sales and ex*****on. He reminded participants that proof always beats promises and that the ability to start over is one of an entrepreneur's greatest strengths.

We also had the honour of learning from Mr. Obakeng Kokwe, former Director at Dialogue Group and now Manager of the Orange Digital Center Botswana. Using brands such as FNB, MTN, Sefalana and Choppies, he demonstrated that great brands are built through purpose, consistency and delivering exceptional customer experiences. He also challenged participants to know when it is time to rebrand, pivot and realign their businesses to remain competitive.

At the Institute of Entrepreneurial Development (IED), we remain committed to exposing our young entrepreneurs to accomplished practitioners who transform classroom learning into real-world experience.

A heartfelt thank you to Aljay Weale and Obakeng Kokwe for investing your time, experience and wisdom into the next generation of entrepreneurs.

FNBF and IED, a partnership that empowers the youth!

17/07/2026

🇧🇼 Happy Presidents Day, Botswana! 🇧🇼

As we approach the Presidents Day Holidays, we honour the visionary leaders whose service and sacrifice have helped shape the Botswana we proudly call home.

At the Institute of Entrepreneurial Development (IED), we remain committed to building on that legacy by empowering entrepreneurs, nurturing innovation, and developing the next generation of job creators and leaders.

May this holiday inspire us all to dream bigger, work harder, and continue contributing to the growth and prosperity of our nation.

Happy Presidents Day!
P**A! P**A! P**A! 🇧🇼

15/07/2026

COFFEE CONVERSATIONS AT MOTEM COFFEE SHOP

Sometimes the best lessons in entrepreneurship are not taught in a classroom, they happen over a cup of coffee and an honest conversation.

Over yesterday and today, our students were divided into two groups and treated to a unique networking experience—a Fireside Chat at Motem Coffee Shop in Mafenyatlala Mall, a business proudly owned by our former student, Lesedi Kooitse. There is something truly special about learning entrepreneurship inside a business built by one of our own.

We were honoured to host Mr. Sibusiso Kgosikhumo, an Author, Optometrist, Farmer and Content Creator who shared his entrepreneurial journey and challenged participants to think beyond simply making money. He reminded us that we build businesses to create lasting value, leave a legacy for our children, develop multiple income streams, and create employment for others.

Perhaps the most powerful takeaway was his message on collaboration. Great businesses are rarely built alone. Mr. Kgosikhumo shared how he started with very little but succeeded by partnering with a reputable investor, proving that meaningful relationships can be just as valuable as capital.

He also encouraged participants to embrace frugality—a quality often overlooked but essential for sustainable business growth. Spend wisely, invest intentionally, and let your business grow on a solid foundation.

Our sincere appreciation also goes to CEDA and BURS for sharing their mandates and helping aspiring entrepreneurs better understand the support and services available to them.

Thank you to everyone who participated over the two days. May these conversations inspire you to build businesses that create opportunities, transform communities, and leave a lasting legacy.

01/07/2026

Today, we proudly celebrate Sir Seretse Khama Day. A day to honour the remarkable legacy of the founding President of Botswana, whose vision, humility and unwavering commitment laid the foundation for the peaceful, democratic and prosperous nation we call home.

As we commemorate his life, may we be inspired to lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and work together to build a Botswana that continues to create opportunities for all, especially our young people.

Happy Sir Seretse Khama Day to all Batswana! 🇧🇼

"A great nation is built by citizens who dare to dream, work hard, and serve selflessly."

21/06/2026

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers, father figures, mentors, and guardians within the IED family and beyond.

At IED, we recognize and celebrate the invaluable role that fathers play in shaping strong families, nurturing future leaders, and building thriving communities. Your love, guidance, sacrifice, and commitment inspire generations and leave a lasting legacy.

Today, we honour and appreciate you for all that you do. May you enjoy a blessed and memorable Father's Day surrounded by those you love.

Happy Father's Day!

16/06/2026

Today, we honour the courageous young people who participated in the Soweto Uprising of 16 June 1976. Their bravery, resilience and determination to fight for a better future continue to inspire generations across Africa.

As we commemorate Youth Day, we are reminded that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow—they are the change-makers of today. Let us continue to invest in their education, empower their entrepreneurial ambitions, and create opportunities that enable them to realise their full potential.

At IED, we remain committed to developing young people who will shape businesses, transform communities and contribute meaningfully to national development.

We salute the youth of 1976 and celebrate the youth of today.