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MIT Kuo Center, Botswana launch multiyear innovation and entrepreneurship partnership
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship has launched a five-year collaboration with the Government of Botswana aimed at strengthening the country’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The partnership kicked off last week with a ten-day series of programs in Gaborone, bringing together entrepreneurs, government leaders, and academic institutions in a shared commitment to fostering inclusive, innovation-driven growth.
At the heart of the visit was the Early-Stage Entrepreneurship Program, hosted at the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub (BDIH). From over 1,300 applications, 31 local startups were selected to begin a 12-week program led by MIT faculty and African entrepreneurs. Focused on sectors including agriculture, health, climate resilience, and digital services, the initiative helps founders refine business models, develop investor pitches, and gain exposure to global networks.
“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,” said Dina H. Sherif, Executive Director of the MIT Kuo Sharper Center. “From our conversations with Vice President 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.”
Vice President and Minister of Finance Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe hosted the MIT delegation and visiting African entrepreneurs at a dinner in Gaborone.
The visit also featured a reunion of Foundry Fellowship alumni — experienced African entrepreneurs trained through MIT’s Kuo Sharper Center — who reaffirmed their shared mission to strengthen Africa’s innovation ecosystems. Some fellows also explored expanding their ventures into Botswana through meetings with local stakeholders.
Additionally, the MIT team launched preparations with the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) to replicate key MIT programs, including the Student Fellowship and the MIT Sandbox. These initiatives aim to equip university students with seed funding, mentorship, and venture-building training.
“We had the opportunity to learn directly from students and faculty about their entrepreneurial ambitions,” said Dr. Jinane Abounadi, Executive Director of MIT Sandbox. “They’re enthusiastic about turning their ideas into impactful enterprises, and we’re excited about future collaborations between MIT and Botswana’s academic community.”
Speaking at the launch of the Early-Stage Entrepreneurship Program, Olesitse Masimega, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship, noted: “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.”
As the MIT Kuo Center and Botswana collaboration unfolds, MIT’s Kuo Sharper Center, along with MIT Sandbox and the Regional Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (REAP), aim to co-create a sustainable, African-led model for prosperity, grounded in local innovation, systems-thinking, and a new calculus for global development.
