Grace Ashiru
The Botswana Innovation Fund (BIF) and Scalar International have launched the Scalar Botswana Innovation Program (SBIP), a 12-month programme to support 10 climate and digital technology startups, according to a programme announcement.
The programme launched on March 10, 2026, in Gaborone, Botswana’s capital, according to the announcement.
The programme will connect selected startups to a $150 million decarbonization investment fund, according to the programme description.
Applications are open to startups across Southern Africa and the wider African continent. Selected ventures must establish a Botswana domicile during the programme, according to programme requirements.
Application deadline is March 31, 2026, according to programme information.
The programme will guide selected startups through a 12-month pipeline, according to the description. Participants will refine concepts, test prototypes, develop minimum viable products, and receive mentorship from industry experts, market intelligence, and guidance on regulatory compliance, according to the programme structure.
“This program reflects a deliberate evolution in Botswana’s innovation strategy,” stated Thulagano Merafe Segokgo, Botswana’s Minister of Communications and Innovation, in the announcement. “We are positioning innovation as a central driver of economic transformation, aligned with our national priority plans and the Botswana Economic Transformation Program, to accelerate diversification, industrial competitiveness, and sustainable growth.”
Programme partners include Arizona State University and Frost & Sullivan, according to the announcement.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has a 2030 goal of universal electricity access, according to regional development plans cited in coverage.
