Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency/Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) to launch The University Challenge on 1 June 2017

The launch of the CEDA/DBSA University Challenge will be officially launched on the 1^st of June and will be officiated by the Vice President of Botswana, His Honour Mr. Mokgweetsi E.K Masisi. The event will also be graced by Senior Officials from Government, DBSA and Representatives from the Private Sector.

The CEDA/DBSA University Challenge is an outcome of the World Federation of Development Finance Institutions (WFDFI) 3rd Joint CEO Forum that was hosted by CEDA in November 2016. The Challenge calls upon the youth of Botswana, specifically those enrolled in institutions of higher learning accredited by the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA), at all levels; Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, Masters Degrees or Doctoral Programmes to come up with implementable solutions to issues affecting the country, namely in the areas of:

1. Youth Employment

2. Employment Creation

3. Women Empowerment

4. Poverty Eradication

In taking up the Challenge, The Vice President of the Republic of Botswana, His Honour Mr. Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi said that the Government of Botswana continues to drive toward addressing these imperatives, and as a result is dependent upon the youth and scholars of Botswana to be change agents and develop real solutions that will help move the country forward and address national priorities.

The Challenge was offered by Chairman of the Association of African Development Finance Institutions (AADFI) and the CEO of the Development Bank of Southern Africa Mr. Patrick Dlamini, with an offer to pay out P100 000 to any student who could come up with an implementable solution to address any of the key issues facing Botswana. He further offered P25 000 extra if a female came up with the solution.

In accepting the University Challenge by Mr. Dlamini, Botswana matched the offer of DBSA Pula for Pula, and as a result, the winning solution would receive P200 000. Further, in order to encourage cutting edge innovation amongst women, if the winning candidate is female, they would receive an extra P50 000, for a total of P250 000.

The University Challenge will focus among others on:

1. Innovative fresh ideas.

2. Implementable proposals that address problems faced by Botswana.

3. Proposals with a focus on adoption of new and emerging technologies.

Guidelines and Application Forms to the University Challenge will be made available to the public from the 1^st of June 2017 following the launch.

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For any further information contact:

Leatile G. Bakwena

Communications Manager

Tel +267 3991084

Fax: +267 3170896

Cell: +267 72323286

Email: lbakwena@ceda.co.bw