Botswana Tech Fund has unveiled a new investment programme targeting $64 million, aimed at supporting technology startups and accelerating digital growth across Southern Africa.
The fund is designed to build on Botswana’s stable economy, strong governance, and high internet usage, which is estimated at about 80 percent. It also looks beyond the country’s borders to the wider Southern African Development Community, a group of 16 countries with a combined population of more than 370 million people.
The initiative brings together venture capital firms and private investors. Launch Africa Ventures will act as investment adviser during the first phase, while Pula Investments will serve as the main anchor investor. The leadership team includes Martin Davis, former chief executive of Molten Ventures, and Florence Bavanandan.
The fund will be rolled out in two stages. In the first phase, about $6.4 million will be invested. This includes around $1.3 million set aside for very early-stage startups, as well as funding for two to four more established companies. Over time, the fund aims to reach its full $64 million target, providing capital to businesses at different stages of growth.
Fund managers say the region is at a turning point in its digital development but still lacks enough funding, especially for technology infrastructure and software-based solutions. The new fund is expected to help close this gap by supporting companies that can scale across borders.
Botswana’s reputation for stable governance is seen as a key advantage, making it an attractive base for structured investment. The goal is to use this position to support startups not just locally, but across the wider Southern African region.
To improve access to opportunities and support startups, the fund has also partnered with the Botswana Innovation Hub. This collaboration will give funded companies access to facilities, resources, and a network to help them grow.
The launch of the Botswana Tech Fund reflects a broader effort to strengthen the region’s digital economy, support entrepreneurs, and create businesses that can compete on a larger African and global stage.
