06 May 2024

On any given Sunday afternoon, Gaborone's Main Mall looks deserted, save for a few people going through the precinct’s walk paths on unknown errands.
This past Sunday was an exception. Barricaded from every side, the Main Mall was a haven of activities, thanks to the Forbes Under 30 Africa Summit.
From the Pula arch entrance, the city's oldest mall had flipped to its other side of style as it welcomed hundreds of youthful delegates, celebrities, entrepreneurs and government executives including Acting President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane who set the tone for the event.
From the entrance along a pathway dripping with fluorescent lights, Solly Sebotso welcomed guests with his masterpiece folklore music, giving visitors a taste of Botswana’s culture.
Along the pathway, Botswana was on a showcase – from sandals, leteise, phatisi, tsutsube, polka and its people.
Anybody walking through the pathways could not miss the aroma of the traditional cuisine, leaving delegates and attendees salivating to taste what Botswana could offer.
The summit resonates well with the government’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) strategy, and has connected Gaborone to the outside world and removed the veil that stood between a local entrepreneur and the established entrepreneur on the other side of the world.
Among the renowned entrepreneurs who have graced this event is American rapper, comedian and entrepreneur, Nick Cannon.
Other entrepreneurs and participants at the event are South African Ms Nomzamo Mbatha, an actress , humanitarian and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, head of Netflix Content for Middle East and Africa Mr Ben Amadasun, Botswana’s own Ms Lesego Chombo who is an attorney, entrepreneur and the reigning Miss World Africa.
A local who attended the Sunday event, Ms Mpho Kasale explained that it was her first experience at the event and wanted to get a feel of what the event was all about, adding that the organisation of the event was of top class.
 Her friend Tshepiso Leepo said he was hoping that through networking with delegates, he would be motivated to establish a business he had long wanted to start.
 The Forbes under 30 Africa summit provides an opportunity for networking and cultural experiences.
The event speakers include government officials, venture capitalists, chief executive officers and celebrities.
Apart from the main event, participants will have an opportunity to explore Gaborone.
According to the Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa aims to provide networking and cultural experiences, sharing of inspiring stories, exploration of the intersection of government policies, regulations, and entrepreneurship, latest technological trends and innovations driving Africa’s economic progress and explore the fusion of entertainment, creativity, and entrepreneurship among others.
The event, which started on Sunday, will end on Wednesday. Ends