Tenderpreneurship must die for true entrepreneurship to rise

Good morning! Let’s get into it.

Today we cover honest interview the president of the Republic of Botswana Duma Boko talked about. It was a very interesting speech as he covered many things especially his trip to Las Vegas to market our diamonds, but let’s talk about a few things he covered

Duma Boko Returns from Las Vegas: “Tenderpreneurship Must Die for True Entrepreneurship to Rise”

Botswana’s political landscape received a jolt of energy this week as Advocate Duma Boko, leader of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), returned from a high-profile international trip and addressed local media with a sharp message: “Tenderpreneurship must die so that real entrepreneurs can emerge.”

This statement, delivered during a media briefing following his return from Las Vegas, has sparked fresh conversation around the future of economic empowerment in Botswana—particularly for youth, professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Reclaiming Botswana’s Global Voice

Boko emphasized that Botswana can no longer afford to be a passive observer in the global economy. He positioned his Las Vegas trip—where he attended the U.S.–Africa Business Summit and the JCK Jewelry Show—as a strategic move to reposition Botswana as a serious global player.

He noted that many countries at the summit were assertive in their agendas, something Botswana must begin to mirror if it wants to protect its interests and drive sustainable development.

Diamonds, Ethics, and Economic Diplomacy

One of the standout moments of his trip, Boko said, was promoting Botswana’s diamond industry to international stakeholders. At the JCK Jewelry Show, he advocated for a rebranding of Botswana’s diamonds as ethical, traceable, and distinctly local—a contrast to global concerns about exploitative mining practices elsewhere.

Ending the Tender Economy

But perhaps the most pointed criticism came when Boko turned inward, calling out what he termed “the tender economy”—a system where political insiders dominate government contracts, crowding out real entrepreneurs.

His call to dismantle entrenched systems of favoritism resonated deeply with young professionals and business-minded citizens who often find themselves sidelined by bureaucracy and opaque procurement processes.

Conclusion

Boko closed his address with an open invitation to international investors, but with a clear caveat: Botswana is not begging—it’s ready to partner.

Source: Mmegi YouTube