Last week, the MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship officially launched its historic five-year collaboration with the Government of Botswana. This milestone partnership commenced with a ten-day series of events designed to deepen Botswana’s innovation capacity and energize its entrepreneurial ecosystem.
At the heart of the MIT Kuo Sharper Center’s mission is a bold proposition: entrepreneurship is not just a tool for economic growth it is a pathway to true economic agency, resilience, and a future less reliant on traditional development aid. The Center’s work across Africa champions what it calls a “new calculus for global prosperity,” rooted in local ownership, long-term sustainability, and the power of innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
Foundry Fellows Reunite and Engage with Botswana’s Leadership
Pan-African entrepreneurial leaders explore expansion and recommit to continent-wide impact
The trip began with a reunion of 22 Foundry Fellows accomplished African entrepreneurs. They completed the Center’s rigorous leadership program and now form a growing, lifelong community of ecosystem builders. While in Botswana, fellows reaffirmed their shared vision of a prosperous Africa enabled by inclusive innovation.
Several fellows explored opportunities to expand their ventures to Botswana and engaged with stakeholders across the ecosystem. A special highlight of their visit was a dinner hosted by the Vice President and Minister of Finance, the Honorable Mr. Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe. In his remarks, he warmly welcomed the group, stating, “Welcome home. You are always welcome home, and you will always be welcome home.”
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp and Student Innovation Programs Launched
Over 1,300 applications received for inaugural early-stage program; MIT student programs set for replication
A centerpiece of the Botswana visit was the launch of the Early-Stage Entrepreneurship Program. It was hosted at the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub [BDIH]. From more than 1,300 applicants, 31 startups were selected to join the 12-week program. It began with a dynamic three-day, in-person bootcamp. Led by MIT faculty and Africa-based entrepreneurs. This program supports startups in agriculture, health, climate resilience, and digital services. It sharpen their value propositions, refine business models, and build investor-ready confidence.
“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.”
“This visit represents more than collaboration; it is a defining milestone for Botswana. It marks the building of bridges that will unlock new possibilities for our entrepreneurs, our citizens, and our economy.” Emphasised Mr. Olesitse Masimega, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship.
The partnership also took a significant step forward with the launch of planning sessions to replicate MIT’s Student Fellowship and MIT Sandbox Innovation Fund at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology [BIUST]. These initiatives will empower student entrepreneurs with leadership training, seed funding, and mentorship. MIT Sandbox’s leadership, Dr. Jinane Abounadi and Dr. Marwan Hassoun, met with BIUST Vice Chancellor Professor Otlogetswe Totolo and other key stakeholders to set the foundation for this transformative effort.
“It has been a true pleasure meeting the leaders and students driving Botswana’s innovation future,” said Dr. Abounadi. “We are excited to see collaborations between MIT and Botswana students grow from this partnership.”
A New Chapter for African Innovation
MIT and Botswana chart a course toward shared prosperity and global inspiration
As this bold partnership unfolds, the MIT Kuo Sharper Center, alongside MIT Sandbox and the MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program [REAP], is committed to co-creating a dynamic new model for prosperity one grounded in local innovation, principled leadership, and pan-African collaboration. Together with the people of Botswana, they aim to inspire the continent and the world with a reimagined future of inclusive growth and opportunity.
