How De Beers is Empowering Botswana’s Entrepreneurs Through the Stanford Seed Program. De Beers Group has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering economic growth and social development in Southern Africa by sponsoring 20 businesses from Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa for the prestigious Stanford Seed Transformation Program. This initiative, delivered by the Stanford Graduate School of Business, aims to equip local entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge to scale their businesses while making meaningful contributions to their communities.
Empowering Botswana Businesses
Among the participating companies, Botswana is strongly represented by 10 innovative firms, including Kgori Capital, Drones For Africa, and Kingsley and Associates. These businesses span diverse industries such as finance, technology, and manufacturing, highlighting the country’s entrepreneurial diversity.
The sponsorship aligns with De Beers’ broader vision of supporting Botswana’s economic transformation. By enabling local businesses to thrive, the program ensures that the benefits of growth ripple through communities, creating jobs, enhancing skills, and fostering resilience.
What the Program Offers
The Stanford Seed Transformation Program is a game-changer for business owners and senior executives. Delivered by Stanford’s world-class faculty, the program focuses on providing participants with advanced entrepreneurial education, strategic insights, and innovative methodologies to drive growth and impact.
Participants gain actionable strategies to address their business challenges, identify growth opportunities, and adopt global best practices. More importantly, the program emphasizes community impact, ensuring that businesses not only scale but also contribute meaningfully to the socioeconomic development of the region.
A Regional Impact
De Beers’ sponsorship extends beyond Botswana, with notable companies from Namibia, such as Otjiwa Game Ranch Lodges and Safaris, and South Africa, including Pele Energy Group and Inscape Education Group, also participating. This regional approach underpins De Beers’ mission to empower Southern Africa’s private sector, driving sustainable economic growth.
Transforming Communities, One Business at a Time
De Beers Group’s sponsorship goes beyond financial support. It reflects a long-term investment in the people and businesses of Southern Africa, recognizing that empowered entrepreneurs can lead transformative change.
“This program represents more than just education; it’s about building resilient communities,” stated a De Beers representative. “By equipping local business leaders with the tools to succeed, we’re creating a foundation for sustainable growth that benefits everyone.”
A Legacy of Growth
As Botswana continues its journey toward economic diversification, initiatives like the Stanford Seed Program play a pivotal role. By investing in local businesses and fostering a culture of innovation and growth, De Beers is helping to lay the groundwork for a thriving private sector.
This initiative also underscores the diamond giant’s dedication to leaving a lasting legacy. As the company states, the program is designed to uplift Southern Africa’s business ecosystem “until the last diamond is mined.”
De Beers’ partnership with Stanford Graduate School of Business is a testament to the power of collaboration in fostering innovation and growth. As Botswana’s business leaders return from the program, they bring with them a wealth of knowledge and inspiration, ready to transform their businesses and communities.
