Open to opportunities

Tlhabologo Matenge

@tlhabologomatenge

Message

Dynamic leader in entrepreneurship and enterprise development with 25 years' experience.

Botswana

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a role that allows me to drive impactful initiatives, foster collaboration, and empower entrepreneurs while contributing to sustainable economic growth.

I am a dynamic and visionary leader with over 25 years of transformative impact in entrepreneurship and enterprise development. My career has been dedicated to driving strategic initiatives, spearheading innovation, and fostering economic empowerment within the SMME sector. I have a proven ability to navigate complex challenges, aligning organizational goals with national and international development strategies to deliver sustainable growth.

Throughout my career, I have successfully designed and implemented growth strategies for over 1,000 SMEs, resulting in measurable improvements in productivity and market competitiveness. My expertise in policy development and stakeholder engagement has allowed me to lead high-performing teams and forge collaborative partnerships across diverse industries. I am passionate about equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with practical tools and frameworks to enhance their confidence and prepare them for market opportunities.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Consultancy & Training

Innovation Fund Ideation Technical Expertise Workshop

Nov 2024 - Present (8 months)

Designed and facilitated a comprehensive Entrepreneurship Development Workshop, focusing on ideation, market research, business modelling, and pitching. Delivered targeted coaching and mentoring sessions to address individual participant challenges and evaluate action plans.

Entrepreneurship Development Facilitation Ideation Market Research Business Modeling Pitch Coaching Mentoring Business Model Canvas SCAMPER Technique

Consultancy, Research & Training

Business Botswana

Nov 2023 - Present (1 year 8 months)

Partnered with Business Botswana and the African Development Bank to build capacity for small-stock farmers, integrating modern farming techniques and market access strategies. Trained 50 farmers across the country on transforming their enterprises from subsistence to commercial farming.

Capacity Building Training Development Project Management Rural Development Program Management Partnership Development

Consultant

CEDA

Jun 2022 - Present (3 years 1 month)

Partnered with CEDA to implement the CEDA Value Chain Development program, improving the viability of eight SME businesses in the manufacturing sector. Successfully designed and developed a Youth Financial Inclusion product for CEDA under the Botswana-EU policy dialogue.

Value Chain Development SME Manufacturing Sector Improvement Financial Inclusion Implementation Product Development Stakeholder Engagement economic development

Head of Consulting

Muscle-Wood Consulting

Jan 2015 - Present (10 years 6 months)

Led consulting initiatives across multiple sectors, specializing in strategy, market research, and process improvement. Designed and implemented growth strategies for over 1,000 SMEs, resulting in measurable improvements in productivity and market competitiveness.

Strategic Consulting Market Research Process Improvement Growth Strategies SME Policy Development Stakeholder Engagement Financial Acumen Business Transformation

Rapid Incubator Manager

Local Enterprise Authority (LEA)

May 2013 - Present (12 years 2 months)

Provided technical advice and trainings to trainees to adopt, adapt, and optimize the utilization of technology and innovative approaches to product development. Established Botswana’s first incubator for manufacturing SMEs, driving innovation and technology adoption.

Incubator Management Technical Adoption Product Development Manufacturing Processes SME Innovation Market Access Training Development

Director, Capacity Development Division

Local Enterprise Authority

May 2012 - Present (13 years 2 months)

Managed four departments including Product Support, Enterprise Support, Entrepreneurship Development, and Training and Development. Responsible for the overall capacity development strategies in developing LEA SMMEs.

Project Management Service Handbook Development Strategic Planning Stakeholder Management

Entrepreneurship Development Manager

Local Enterprise Authority

May 2010 - Present (15 years 2 months)

Successfully implemented the 'Agripreneur Incubation program' in partnership with BUAN university. Responsible for development and implementation of entrepreneurial development and educational programs through screening and diagnosis.

Entrepreneurship Development Training Development SME Skills Development Program Management

Enterprise Development- Program Assistant

Local Enterprise Authority

Jun 2007 - Present (18 years 1 month)

Responsible for the development of effective SMME Joint Venture (JV) programs at LEA. Implemented business processes and operational procedures for the effective delivery of SMME development programs through needs-based assessment.

SMME Development Business Process Program Development Data Analysis

Food & Beverage Manager

British Home Stores

Jul 2006 - Present (19 years)

Revitalized BHS offerings, driving a 15% increase in customer satisfaction scores. Streamlined operations to improve profitability and adherence to health and safety standards.

Food & Beverage Management Customer Satisfaction Operations Management Health and Safety Team Leadership Service Delivery Quality Control Inventory Management

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Johnson and Wales University

BSc Institutional Management, Institutional Management

Studied institutional management, focusing on the principles and practices of effective organizational leadership and administration. Gained expertise in managing various aspects of institutional operations.

University of Northwest

Certificate in Small Business Consultancy, Small Business Consultancy

Completed a specialized certificate program focused on small business consultancy. Acquired skills in providing strategic advice and support to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Moyanga, Louw & Associates (FASA Accredited)

Franchising Expert Certification, Franchising

Obtained certification as a franchising expert from a FASA-accredited institution. Developed in-depth knowledge of franchising models, operations, and legal frameworks.