Eli Baruti

With times moving forward, the economic landscape is also changing- and so is the labor and productivity sector. In the yesteryears; the 80s and the 90s, getting a job soon after graduation was a sure thing- not anymore. For at least the past couple of decades, unemployment has been a major concern among the youth in Botswana due to the already saturated work environment. This calls for a new approach- self-employment or entrepreneurship. Moakanyi Magazine, a thoughtful business magazine, exists to facilitate the business minds as well as aspirants in fostering socioeconomic growth in Botswana.

Numbers do not lie!

As of the last Botswana national population census, the total population stood at around two point three (2.3) million of which over sixty percent (60%) is the youth- that is around one point four (1.4) million. However, statistics indicated that by 2019 youth unemployment stood at thirty seven point thirty five percent (37.35%) – that translates to over five hundred thousand (500 000) youth. The youth means people with ages ranging fifteen (15) to thirty five (35) years.

The statistics above show beyond reasonable doubt that the youth have the potential to be the main drivers of the economy as they constitute the larger share of the population; this means they can be the producers and the market themselves.

The Opportunities

As of recent, and in response to the unprecedented Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the government of Botswana have come up with measures to sustain and boost the economy through and post this era. The Citizen Entrepreneurship Development Agency (CEDA) has since relaxed their guidelines to help nationals, especially the youth – who are mostly affected by the pandemic, to be able to start or grow their businesses by lending finances. The government has also passed a law reserving some businesses for 100% citizen owned businesses. Import of cooked bread products and pastries has been banned, to give citizens a chance to supply the local market.

Entrepreneurship or get extinct

In light of the statistics mentioned above, it does not need a rocket scientist to tell that the youth are faced with an ultimatum; venture into self-employment or suffer doom of poverty and unemployment. Though a pandemic is unfortunate, the opportunities that came with it present a great deal of chance for the youth to resuscitate their livelihoods and change the status quo, thereby promoting the economy of the country that has been affected by the epidemic.

The platform

To help the youth navigate without struggle in this quest of entrepreneurship, Moakanyi Magazine is the perfect platform – designed for business people and those aspiring to jump into the ship. Moakanyi has divided its content into sections:

Business

Focuses on the economy of the country in details; i.e. the sectors that drive the economy of the country. Here we simply for you the sectors and how they work.

Agriculture

We bring to the reader’s attention the opportunities that exist in the industry. That is done through profiling successful or running businesses so that aspiring farmers and those looking to broaden their scope or understanding can learn from what others are doing.

Industry

Here we bring to the attention of the reader the ins and outs of the industry- the technicalities; i.e. the issues of Intellectual Property- the importance of securing the creations of your mind, especially if your business largely depends on it.

Finance

The focus here is on banks and loans as a means for start-up capital or growing your business. We furnish our reader with information so as to be better equipped when taking decisions with regards to finances.

Governance

Sectors or initiatives set up by the government in an effort to support the growing of businesses is here outlined. What they actually do and how to access them.

Technology

Profiles players in the technology industry; what they do and how to get into contact with them in case you need their services. Also gives you heads-up about the technologies out there that you can utilize; e.g. digital technologies for advertising your products and publicizing your business.

Property

Gives insight into infrastructural developments on the rounds so that as a business person you can be equipped with the knowledge of how they are of benefit and how to utilize such businesswise; i.e. the economic benefits of Kazungula bridge.

Books

We share books to help you know your way around in business. Starting from sharpening your mind to be business orientated to the technical knowhow of how to actually run a successful business.

Leisure

No matter how hard you work, there always has to be time to rest and relax. Moakanyi, as thoughtful as it is, got you on this one too! In leisure we look onto cultures, entertainment, and current affairs.

Source: Statista.com