Dr Eric Mokgweetsi Masisi was today sworn in as the 5th President of the Republic of Botswana by Chief Justice Terence Rannowane attended amongst others by President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, in a lavish ceremony at University of Botswana(UB) Indoor Stadium Thursday.
Masisi acknowledged Botswana faced challenges posed by HIV/AIDS, unemployment, poverty, corruption, hostile external interference to our democracy and and threats of capture, alcohol and substance abuse, climate change and drought amongst others.
“As we look into the future with the optimism only a Motswana can muster, we must hold firmly to our resolve to transform our economy from over reliance on our natural resource wealth to increasingly rely mainly on knowledge capital and thus yielding a knowledge based economy,” said Masisi. He also revealed that Botswana is in negotiations with Forbes to host the 2020 Under 30 Summit in Gaborone as part of the President’s Initiative. It will be the first time that the Forbes Under 30 Summit will be held in Africa.
The event brings together at least six hundred of the world’s most elite entrepreneurs and game changers. It is expected to include 200 Africa best, 200 World Best and Botswana’s Best enterpreneurs.
Masisi said, “The Summit presents yet another opportunity not only for the young entrepreneurs in Botswana to learn from others and grow their businesses but also explore more ways to creating jobs for the youth.”
