CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, has told delegates at the Forbes Under 30 Summit currently underway in Gaborone, Botswana that there is an urgent need for businesses and governments to develop young people, encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship and invest in football on the African continent.
The CAF President told business leaders and football stakeholders that football is the most popular sport in Africa and CAF is committed to building mutually beneficial partnerships with the governments, private sector and other stakeholders whilst adhering to governance and ethical best practices.
Dr Motsepe, an accomplished international businessman and a philanthropist, encouraged young people to pursue their dreams, and not to be discouraged by the challenges and difficulties they may experience when they enter into business.
“The urgency now is to get started, and make things happen. Some of our young people are amongst the best in the world. What they need is financial and other resources, and support. The most difficult part of any venture is when you start. Success perpetuates itself”.
Dr Motsepe
The CAF President also had a private meeting with the Botswana Head of State, His Excellency Mokgweetsi Masisi, where he expressed his appreciation for the President’s efforts to promoting football in the country.
“I had a very good discussion with President Masisi. We were exposed to the collaboration and assistance that the Botswana government is providing for the development and growth of football in Botswana. I want to thank President Masisi for his support and commitment to football in Botswana and on the African continent”.
Dr Motsepe
Inaugural Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa
Forbes first-ever Under 30 Summit Africa is currently underway in Botswana from April 24th-28th 2022 – bringing together 500 participants. According to Forbes, one-third of the participants are from the Under 30 Africa community, one-third from host, Botswana, and one-third from the Under 30 community worldwide.
Hosted in partnership with the Botswana President’s Initiative, the six-day event will convene Botswana business leaders, government officials, venture capital and business role models, alongside the world’s most influential young entrepreneurs and innovators, to foster entrepreneurship locally and network with likeminded innovators who are changing business around the world. It presents an unrivalled opportunity for cultural immersion, inspiration and networking on an international scale, Forbes disclosed.
Beginning in Botswana’s capital city, Gaborone, attendees will have the chance to immerse themselves into Botswana’s culture and experience the sounds and cuisine of local performers and chefs.
Halfway through the event, attendees will travel to Chobe National Park, the world’s largest elephant sanctuary, for a fully programmed agenda focused on sustainability, a sunset river cruise among hippos and crocodiles, and a one-day safari that ranks among the best in the world. Across four days, guests will explore the best of Africa and harness the power of entrepreneurial capitalism on the continent whose growth will help define the 21st century, Forbes highlighted in a statement.
The summit will focus on the theme ‘The African Century: Inspiration, Innovation, Exploration’ and will explore how the world can invest in and engage with the growing potential of entrepreneurism across the region. Attendees will see first-hand, how Botswana harnesses the power of entrepreneurial capitalism and cultivates critical conversations that help solve global problems, foster entrepreneurship locally and network with likeminded leaders.
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