Ten Botswana startups will compete in the Startup World Cup Botswana Regional on August 21, with the initiative expected to give local founders an opportunity to take their businesses to a wider market and compete for a share of global investment. The competition is being held in collaboration with regional partner Thrive Development Initiative.
The programme brings together startups working across agriculture, technology, renewable energy, healthcare, fashion and food production. The winner will represent Botswana at the Grand Finale, where finalists will compete for a $1 million investment prize.
Startups Tackling Local Challenges
Smart Vegtech Farming, also known as Smart Vegetech, is an agritech startup focused on climate-smart agriculture. The company uses modern methods such as SmartSubstrate technology to improve crop yields, strengthen food security and help farmers build more sustainable farming systems in response to environmental challenges.
TiroStamp is a WhatsApp-based AI workforce verification platform designed to address ghost worker fraud and financial exclusion in Botswana’s informal economy. The company says more than 70% of workers have no payslip, credit score or verifiable work history, while employers can lose 15% to 20% of payroll to ghost workers. TiroStamp allows workers to check in through WhatsApp using live location, with its system verifying their presence within 50 metres. The platform also creates a portable TiroScore that can support access to microloans, rentals and formal employment. The service does not require an app, special hardware or training and can operate on phones using 2G.
Fusion Attire is a multi-brand e-commerce platform focused on connecting African fashion designers with customers around the world. Through technology, the company aims to make authentic African fashion more accessible while creating wider markets for emerging designers.
OrionX develops technology solutions for businesses, governments, small and medium-sized enterprises, startups and NGOs. Its work focuses on using technologies such as artificial intelligence to support economic growth, job creation and improved access to healthcare, education and government services.
Forechem 05 Solutions is a youth-led agro-biotechnology startup operating through the University of Botswana’s UniPod incubation programme. The company uses scientific expertise to address unemployment, environmental waste and food security. Its flagship product, FERTEX, is a 100% bio-organic liquid fertiliser made from recycled organic waste.
Avolv is a renewable energy startup working to expand access to clean and independent energy solutions. Its focus is on developing efficient alternatives for communities, farms and businesses affected by grid instability, with the Startup World Cup providing an opportunity to demonstrate the potential of Botswana’s clean technology sector.
First-Aid Counselling is a digital mental health company providing affordable and anonymous support through USSD, web applications and chatbots. The service is available at any time and in local languages, with a focus on both preventive and curative mental health support. The company plans to scale through partnerships with telecommunications operators, insurers and government institutions.
Health, Agriculture and Indigenous Innovation
Heavenly Mothers focuses on improving postpartum healthcare through affordable care packages and a digital platform that connects mothers with medical professionals and nearby healthcare facilities. Its goal is to improve access to information, support and healthcare for women during the period after pregnancy.
Hekhani Seeds is an impact-driven seed company established in 2022 to increase access to certified seed for small grains, legumes and oilseed crops across Southern Africa. The company focuses on crops often overlooked by traditional seed markets and works to support smallholder farmers, particularly women and young people, in building climate-adapted and profitable agricultural businesses.
Masuku Gold Beverages focuses on the commercial and nutritional potential of Africa’s indigenous fruits. The company combines traditional knowledge with food science, digital technology and sustainable business practices to produce nutraceutical beverages. By creating markets for indigenous fruits collected and cultivated by local communities, Masuku Gold aims to support healthier consumers while contributing to local livelihoods and inclusive economic growth.
Together, the ten finalists reflect a growing range of businesses developing solutions to practical challenges in Botswana and beyond. Their participation in the Startup World Cup regional competition could provide not only exposure and investment opportunities, but also a platform for Botswana’s entrepreneurs to demonstrate that locally developed solutions can compete in international markets.
