Many African entrepreneurs have struggled to scale their ideas due to inadequate support structures. The launch of Startup Community Catalysts addresses critical challenges faced by startups in the region, including limited access to funding, mentorship, and global networks.

Early-stage startup investor, Techstars, and Merce Anders Equity Group announced the launch of Techstars Startup Community Catalyst Africa Botswana on January 13. The program will run pre-accelerator and startup education programs over the next two years, including the Techstars Founder Catalyst, Community Development Lab, and Startup Weekends. These initiatives aim to help early-stage entrepreneurs refine ideas, scale businesses, and create lasting community impact.

For Emilie Vallauri, Program Manager at Techstars, “This partnership with Merce Anders Equity Group unlocks the potential of entrepreneurs in Botswana and neighboring countries, enabling them to create transformative solutions locally and globally.”

The Techstars Startup Weekend, running March 28–30, 2025, will provide a 54-hour event for entrepreneurs to develop ideas, form teams, and pitch projects, with winners earning spots in the Founder Catalyst program. On July 16, 2025, the Community Development Lab will gather community leaders and innovators in a one-day workshop to foster collaboration and sustainable startup ecosystems. From May 5 to July 20, 2025, the 10-week Founder Catalyst pre-accelerator will prepare up to 20 early-stage startups for funding and scaling. Applications are open until March 16, 2025.

This initiative has the potential to generate employment and boost local economies, particularly in Botswana, where unemployment remains a significant issue, recorded at 27.6% in Q1 2024, according to the World Bank.

By partnering with Merce Anders Equity Group, Techstars brings global expertise to the region, enabling startups to tap into international networks. This is vital in a globalized market, where competitiveness often hinges on access to resources and markets beyond local boundaries.

The move aligns with the Botswana government’s proactiveness in fostering entrepreneurship through agencies like the Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH) and Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) which provide funding, incubation, and training for startups.

Hikmatu Bilali