Botswana Youth Co-operatives Alliance - BYCA

20/08/2026

🗳️ Before the vote, hear directly from the candidates.

On 27 August, candidates for President and Members At-Large of the ICA Youth Committee will come together for a presentation webinar ahead of the Committee’s elections in Panama this September.

Representing the ICA’s four regions, the candidates will introduce themselves and their perspectives to young cooperators around the world.

For voting members of the ICA Youth Committee, it’s an opportunity to get to know the people on the ballot before making their decision. And even if you don’t have a vote, the webinar is open to anyone interested in meeting the young cooperative leaders stepping forward.

🗓️ 27 August 2026
⏰ 15:00 Brussels time (GMT+2)
💬 English

🔗 Register for the webinar: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/-dE2p_PISf-U4C3ZiGl4nA

👤 Meet the candidates: https://globalyouth.coop/en/meet-candidates-ica-youth-committee-elections

20/08/2026

19/08/2026

GABORONE — The Botswana Youth Co‑operatives Alliance (BYCA) successfully concluded its two‑day “Cooperative 101” workshop at the Botswana Co‑operatives Training Centre (BCTC), marking a milestone in youth engagement within the national cooperative movement. The event, held from August 14 to 15, brought together young leaders, educators, and cooperative stakeholders under one roof to explore the essence of cooperative identity from a youth perspective.
The opening day featured insightful lessons on the philosophy and background of cooperatives, delivered by delegates from BCTC. Their presentations traced the historical roots of cooperative development in Botswana and emphasized how shared ownership and democratic participation remain central to sustainable economic growth.

Adding a youthful lens to the discussion, BYCA Board Chairman Mr. Orapeleng Nareetsile led a dynamic session on Learning cooperatives from a youth perspective, encouraging participants to view cooperatives not only as business models but as platforms for empowerment and innovation.

Among the distinguished guests were BOCA Chairman Mr. Ntone, BCTC Principal Mr. Modise and other key stakeholders who commended BYCA for its commitment to nurturing informed, socially responsible young cooperators. Their presence underscored the growing collaboration between established cooperative institutions and youth‑driven initiatives.

The event concluded with renewed enthusiasm for strengthening youth participation in Botswana’s cooperative sector. Participants expressed optimism that the lessons learned would translate into tangible community projects and stronger regional networks.
As the curtains closed on “Cooperative 101,” BYCA reaffirmed its mission to connect the country’s twelve regional offices and continue building a generation of young people who understand, practice and champion cooperative values.

Botswana Cooperative Association - BOCA Brand Botswana Boleswa Youth Federation COOP Botswana National Youth Council- BNYC Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship Botswana Botswana Co-operative Training Centre - BCTC

01/08/2026

Are you coming? Let's try to learn the cooperative language from a youth Perspective. Thiese will birth modern Coops. So don't be left out. Be part of it.
Brand Botswana
Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship Botswana Botswana National Youth Council- BNYC Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs BW Youth network of the International Co-operative Alliance Boleswa Youth Federation COOP Botswana Cooperative Association - BOCA

30/07/2026

CALLING ALL YOUTH COOPERATORS ACROSS BOTSWANA! 🇧🇼

​Are you ready to shape the future of the cooperative movement and drive economic empowerment? Join the Botswana Youth Co-operatives Alliance - BYCA for our flagship event: Cooperative 101 – Cooperative Identity from a Youth Perspective!

​Whether you want to learn more about how co-operatives work, connect with regional networks, or pitch your enterprise, this is the place to be!

​🚀 HIGHLIGHTS:
​Educational Sessions: Discover the benefits of joining and participating in the co-operative movement through peer to peer discussions.

​Regional Pitch Competition: Aligned with the Presidential Youth Empowerment Campaign, showcasing youth-industrialised enterprises and formalised youth cooperatives that drive employment and economic growth.

​Networking : Connect and align with other youth cooperatives from across the country.

​📅 Dates: 14th – 15th August 2026
📍 Location: Botswana Co-operatives Training Centre, Gaborone

​Come ready to learn, connect, and pitch your ideas to industry leaders. Let’s build a stronger, sustainable future together!

​📞 For More Information & Enquiries:
​Refilwe Keneilwe Letswiti : +267 75061892
​Thobo Sarah Jabane: +267 72339188
​Email: [email protected]
​

Maitlamo Saccos Orapa Saccos Motswedi Saccos Babereki Saccos Brand Botswana

23/06/2026

💯BYCA is proud to have Participated in the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs BW Youth Employment Strategy Validation Workshop.

Our Communication & Marketing Officer represented the Alliance, adding the cooperative voice to discussions on shaping youth employment solutions in Botswana.

Collaborating with government and partners is key to creating sustainable opportunities for young people. We look forward to the outcomes of this strategy.

22/06/2026

The Cooperative identity

22/06/2026

Cooperatives as a driver of Youth Empowerment

Solar Innovation & Cooperative Training Workshop was a collaborative initiative hosted by the Botswana Youth Co-operatives Alliance (BYCA) and Ked-Liphi Global. Held from 17-20th June in Gumare, Shakawe and Seronga, the workshop aimed to empower youth to become job creators, community leaders, and champions of sustainable development.
​
​The program centered on the theme, "Empowering Youth Through Innovation, Cooperative Enterprise and Sustainable Development". It combined design thinking methodologies, cooperative enterprise principles, and renewable energy innovation to equip participants with practical, future-ready skills.

Following the successful ex*****on of the workshops, we have successfully engaged local youth in critical discussions regarding economic participation and sustainable innovation. We now believe youth are ready And:
1. Understand the mechanics of cooperative governance and entrepreneurship.
2. Can ​Develop sustainable business and community project ideas.
3. Will ​Build valuable professional networks with fellow youth leaders and stakeholders.
4. And ​Create actionable plans for local economic development

17/06/2026

Empowering Our Future: BYCA & Ked-Liphi Global Workshops! 🚀

​We are thrilled to announce that the Botswana Youth Co-operatives Alliance (BYCA), in partnership with Ked-Liphi Global, is hitting the road! 🌍
​We are embarking on an exciting journey across the North West District to empower our youth through Solar Innovation & Cooperative Training. Our mission is to share the Cooperative Entrepreneurship model, equipping young minds with the tools to build sustainable enterprises that serve their communities.

​We are bringing these intensive training workshops to:
📍 Gumare (16/17 June)
📍 Etsha 6 (17 June)
📍 Shakawe (18 June 2026)
📍 Seronga (19 June 2026)

​What to expect:
​Our workshops focus on two core pillars to drive change:
💡 Innovation & Design Thinking: Mastering advanced problem-solving, empathy-led innovation, and user-centric solutions.
🤝 Cooperative Entrepreneurship & Sustainability: Deep-diving into the cooperative philosophy, Ipelegeng principles, inclusive governance, and democratic decision-making.

​This is more than a workshop—it’s a movement to create sustainable solutions by the youth, for the youth. Let’s build a brighter, more innovative Botswana together! 🇧🇼✨
​

17/06/2026

Empowering the Future: From Youth Participation to Energy Sovereignty! 🌍⛽

​The recently launched Botswana Youth, Women and Citizen (BYWC) Oil and Gas Programme is a game-changer for our economic landscape. This initiative is about more than just skills; it’s about a fundamental shift from being mere consumers of energy to becoming producers and owners in the oil, gas, and clean energy value chains.

​At the heart of the Botswana Youth Co-operatives Alliance - BYCA, we believe that the most sustainable way for our youth to enter this capital-intensive industry is through cooperative entrepreneurship. By pooling our resources, expertise, and collective bargaining power, we can move beyond individual limitations to build resilient energy enterprises.

​The transition to a diversified economy requires us to be "Investment Ready." We are ready to lead the charge in operationalizing this mandate through our cooperative business models, ensuring that the 40% procurement target isn't just a number—it’s our reality.

Our treasurer Mrs. Keneilwe Fifi Letshwiti is representing the coop movement and getting necessary ammunition for action post training.

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