Through this collaboration, BIF and Scalar Energy Africa aim to strengthen the innovation ecosystem across Southern Africa, creating new pathways for economic growth and technological advancement.
In Gaborone, Botswana, the Botswana Innovation Fund (BIF) and Scalar Energy Africa have unveiled a pioneering business programme designed to accelerate the growth of Southern Africa’s next generation of climate and digital technology startups. The launch ceremony took place on March 10, 2026, at Hotel430 in Gaborone’s Central Business District, with senior representatives from the Ministry of Communications, Knowledge and Technology, and the Ministry of Minerals, Green Technology, and Energy Security in attendance. The initiative signals a strong public-private partnership aimed at fostering innovation and supporting the development of sustainable and digitally enabled enterprises in the region.
The programme is expected to provide startups with access to critical resources, including mentorship, technical support, funding opportunities, and industry networks, helping them scale their solutions more quickly. By focusing on both climate and digital technologies, the initiative aligns with regional priorities for sustainable development and the expansion of a knowledge-based economy. Stakeholders emphasized that the programme will serve as a platform for nurturing local talent, driving entrepreneurship, and supporting businesses that address pressing environmental and technological challenges.
Through this collaboration, BIF and Scalar Energy Africa aim to strengthen the innovation ecosystem across Southern Africa, creating new pathways for economic growth and technological advancement. The initiative highlights the commitment of both government and private sector partners to invest in startups that have the potential to deliver transformative solutions in climate resilience, energy efficiency, and digital innovation. The launch sets the stage for a sustained effort to position Southern Africa as a hub for cutting-edge climate and digital technology ventures.
