[Dateline: Gaborone, Botswana] Botswana Innovation Fund and Scalar International have initiated the Scalar Botswana Innovation Program, a 12-month initiative launched on March 10 in Gaborone. This program is designed to identify and support 10 climate and digital technology startups with access to a $150 million decarbonisation fund. It comes at a critical time as the Southern African Development Community aims for universal electricity access by 2030.
The program will help startups develop renewable energy solutions, including micro — grids, and digital technologies like fintech and AI.
The program’s structure includes mentorship, product development support, and regulatory and commercial strategy guidance. It also requires startups to establish a presence in Botswana, promoting local innovation and attracting regional talent. Paragraph] As climate tech investment in Africa expands, the Scalar Botswana Innovation Program is poised to be a key driver in scaling solutions addressing energy, infrastructure, and sustainability challenges across the continent.
The initiative underscores the growing emphasis on linking early — stage innovation with large-scale climate financing.
