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The Myth of the “Right Time” to Start Your Small Business
If you have dreams of starting your own small business, you’ve likely heard well-meaning advice like “make sure timing is right before taking the leap.” People citing concerns about the economy, your personal finances, or even astrological signs might advise putting your entrepreneurial aspirations on hold. But is there truly a “right” time to start…
Read MoreOvercoming Adversity: Tackling Key Crop Farming Challenges in Botswana
Botswana faces considerable obstacles when it comes to developing viable crop farming practices. With a semi-arid climate prone to recurring drought, there is a distinct lack of arable land across much of the country. The limited areas suited to cropping also frequently have poor soil quality and face threats from pests, plant diseases, and other…
Read MoreAccounting, financial planning and cash flow management in Tuck Shops
Running a profitable and sustainable African tuck shop is no easy feat. The operating environment poses many challenges – from inconsistent customer demand, supply chain issues, rising costs and tight working capital to growing competition and economic uncertainties. However, implementing strong accounting, financial planning and cash flow management disciplines can make a major difference in…
Read MoreThe ‘No One Will Pay That’ Myth – And How I Learned to Crush It
Many entrepreneurs and business owners limit themselves by believing that no one will pay a certain price for their product or service. This self-doubt causes them to undervalue their offering and lose out on potential revenue. However, this notion is often just a myth we tell ourselves. With the right messaging and value proposition, people…
Read MoreYouth and the Future of African Agriculture
Africa has the world’s youngest population, with over 60% being under age 25 in most nations. This massive youth population presents both a challenge and opportunity when it comes to the future of agriculture across the continent. With the average age of farmers globally over 60 years old, engaging youth is critical for ensuring agricultural…
Read MoreGoing Cashless: How Mobile Money is Transforming My Tuck Shop in Botswana
As a tuck shop owner in Gaborone, Botswana, I have experienced firsthand the various frustrations of dealing mostly in physical cash transactions – from security risks of keeping large amounts of cash on hand to challenges reconciling accounts and making timely payments to vendors. However, since integrating mobile money platforms over the last few months,…
Read MoreSustaining Africa’s Growth: The Intersection of Livestock Farming, Food Shortage, and Innovation
As a financial business advisor deeply involved in understanding Africa’s agricultural landscape, the realm of livestock farming is a pivotal point of analysis. Let’s delve into the figures and facts, painting a vivid picture of the continent’s livestock production and its far-reaching implications. Livestock Production in Africa: The numbers are staggering. Africa stands as the…
Read MoreRunning a Successful Spaza Shop: My Tips for Managing Your Business
As a business coach who works with spaza shop owners across Botswana, I’ve seen first-hand what it takes to build and run a successful informal retail business. After years of advising entrepreneurs in townships and rural areas, I’ve developed a simple framework to help spaza owners manage their finances, inventory, and operations efficiently. First, get…
Read MoreBreaking Barriers: Women Empowerment in Botswana’s Livestock Farming Industry
In recent years, Botswana’s livestock farming industry has witnessed a significant transformation, thanks to the growing empowerment of women. With women breaking barriers and challenging societal norms, gender equality in agriculture is becoming a reality. This article explores the various initiatives and strategies that have been implemented to promote women’s empowerment in the livestock farming…
Read MoreThe Impact of Livestock Farming in Botswana: Sustainable Practices and Economic Growth
In the vast landscapes of Botswana, the rhythmic hum of livestock farming can be heard, resonating across rural communities and shaping the country’s economic growth. Livestock farming has long been a pillar of Botswana’s agricultural sector, providing not only sustenance but also a source of income for countless individuals. The impact of livestock farming in…
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