Schedule
YES 2026: Draft Programme Schedule
Venue: [To be Announced], Gaborone | Dates: 2nd – 4th June 2026
| Day | Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1: MONDAY, 2ND JUNE 2025 – DIAGNOSE & FRAME | |||
| Day 1 | 08:00 - 09:30 | Registration & Continental Networking Breakfast | Arrival, check-in, and informal connection in the exhibition hall. |
| Day 1 | 09:30 - 10:45 | Grand Opening & Keynote Address | Official welcome and inaugural address by a very Senior official (to be confirmed). Setting the national vision for youth empowerment. |
| Day 1 | 10:45 - 12:30 | PANEL: The State of Youth Unemployment in Botswana & Beyond | A data-rich, hard-hitting session featuring our resident labour economist, government statisticians, and youth representatives. Diagnosing root causes, sectoral challenges, and regional trends. |
| Day 1 | 12:30 - 14:00 | Networking Luncheon | |
| Day 1 | 14:00 - 15:30 | POLICY DIALOGUE WORKSHOPS | Concurrent, interactive sessions on critical policy levers: "Digital Economy Regulations," "Green Job Incentives," "Formalising the Informal Sector." |
| Day 1 | 15:30 - 17:00 | The Skills Revolution Forum | Leaders from academia, TVET, and tech giants discuss bridging the skills gap for the 4IR. Showcasing successful re-skilling models. |
| Day 1 | 19:00 - 22:00 | Official Welcome Gala Dinner | By invitation. Featuring cultural performances and the "Young Achiever of the Year" award. |
| DAY 2: TUESDAY, 3RD JUNE 2025 – INSPIRE & EQUIP Theme: Global Insights, Entrepreneurial Fire |
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| Day 2 | 09:00 - 10:30 | FIRECHAT KEYNOTE 1 | An unscripted, dynamic conversation with an international visionary on "The Future of Work and Wealth Creation." |
| Day 2 | 10:30 - 12:30 | "PITCH TO THE WORLD" - Session 1 | Selected youth entrepreneurs pitch their high-growth startups to a panel of international venture capitalists and angel investors. Live feedback and Q&A. |
| Day 2 | 12:30 - 14:00 | Lunch & "Deal Flow" Networking | Structured networking connecting pitchers, investors, and mentors. |
| Day 2 | 14:00 - 15:00 | FIRECHAT KEYNOTE 2 | A global innovator discusses "Solving African Problems with African Solutions." |
| Day 2 | 15:00 - 17:00 | Masterclass Series | Practical, hands-on workshops (choose one): "Crafting an Irresistible Pitch Deck," "Financial Modelling for Startups," "Digital Marketing on a Budget." |
| Day 2 | 17:00 - 18:30 | Investor Cocktail Reception | Exclusive mixer for registered investors, sponsored startups, and special guests. |
| DAY 3: WEDNESDAY, 4TH JUNE 2025 – COMMIT & LAUNCH Theme: From Dialogue to Action |
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| Day 3 | 09:00 - 10:30 | The Accountability Platform | Ministers, private sector CEOs, and development partners announce concrete, measurable commitments (e.g., "X internships," "Y funding pool," "Z policy reform"). |
| Day 3 | 10:30 - 12:00 | "PITCH TO THE WORLD" - Finals & Award Ceremony | Top pitchers from Day 2 compete for the grand prize seed funding. Live announcement and award ceremony. |
| Day 3 | 12:00 - 13:30 | Closing Plenary: The Gaborone Accord | Presentation of the summit's collective findings and a signed accord outlining actionable steps for the next 12 months. |
| Day 3 | 13:30 - 15:00 | Farewell "Launchpad" Lunch & Commitment Signing | Final networking with MOUs and partnership agreements signed live in a collaborative space. Seminar Close. |
Some of Day 3 activities
• Mentorship Mixers: One-on-one sessions with specialists.
• Signing Ceremonies: Announcements of funding, partnerships, and job drives.
• Closing Plenary: The Gaborone Declaration on Youth Employment – A collective action plan.
• Cultural Celebration: Honouring Botswana’s youth spirit.