The Botswana Innovation Fund (BIF) and Scalar Energy Africa have launched a new business programme aimed at accelerating the growth of Southern Africa’s next generation of climate and digital technology startups.
The initiative was unveiled on March 10, 2026, in Gaborone, Botswana, during a launch ceremony held at Hotel430 in the city’s Central Business District. Senior representatives from the Ministry of Communications, Knowledge and Technology and the Ministry of Minerals, Green Technology, and Energy Security attended the event, highlighting strong government support for the initiative.
The programme represents a strategic public-private collaboration designed to strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem while supporting the development of sustainable and digitally driven enterprises.
Startups participating in the programme will gain access to a range of resources, including mentorship, technical support, funding opportunities and industry networks. These resources are expected to help emerging companies scale their innovations more quickly and bring solutions to market more effectively.
By focusing on both climate and digital technologies, the initiative aligns with broader regional priorities around sustainable development and the expansion of knowledge-based economies. Organizers say the programme will also provide a platform for nurturing local talent, encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting businesses working to address pressing environmental and technological challenges.
Through the partnership, BIF and Scalar Energy Africa aim to strengthen the innovation ecosystem across Southern Africa while creating new pathways for economic growth and technological advancement.
The collaboration also reflects a growing commitment from both government and private sector stakeholders to invest in startups capable of delivering transformative solutions in areas such as climate resilience, energy efficiency and digital innovation.
Stakeholders say the programme marks an important step toward positioning Southern Africa as a hub for cutting-edge climate and digital technology ventures.
