For many communities in Botswana, access to essential resources and opportunities remains a challenge. Yet, one woman is changing the narrative. Through her relentless commitment to social entrepreneurship and community development, Chevening alumna Kagiso Madibana is not just talking about change; she's making it happen.
Kagiso’s journey into humanitarian work began with a 2009 internship with the Indian Development Foundation in Chennai and Mumbai. While working with underserved communities, she saw firsthand the transformative power of targeted, sustainable interventions. Returning to Botswana, Kagiso founded the Nayang Association, focusing on addressing poverty and social inequality in remote areas. Her work with Nayang aims to create sustainable solutions that empower local communities and improve living conditions, such as supporting students by providing school shoes, clothing, sanitary pads, and other essentials.
“That experience ignited my passion for social entrepreneurship,” she says, “and inspired me to make a similar impact back home in Botswana.”
In 2011, Kagiso was awarded a Chevening scholarship to study an MA in Media and Communications at Cardiff University in Wales. This opportunity broadened her vision, offering her new tools and global perspectives to tackle Botswana’s most pressing issues. Armed with the skills and experience she gained during her scholarship, Kagiso returned to Botswana to raise awareness, attract support, and build strategic partnerships for Nayang’s ambitious projects— such as the construction of an orphanage in the village of Sese which will provide care for 120 children.
“This project is deeply personal to me,” Kagiso explains. “In 2023, I left my corporate job and relocated to focus entirely on making it a success.”
The Chevening network has been instrumental in Kagiso’s growth. By connecting with other leaders driving change across the region, she was invited as a Regional Guest Speaker at the Chevening Alumni Network’s CANNovation summit in Namibia. As Chairperson of the Chevening Alumni Association of Botswana (CHAABO), Kagiso leads initiatives that promote critical social issues and initiate community-driven projects.
“CHAABO has become a hub for dialogue on critical issues such as climate change, illegal wildlife trafficking, and female empowerment.”
One of Kagiso’s notable achievements through CHAABO was a project aimed at reducing Botswana’s reliance on imported goods by establishing local manufacturing facilities. In Tshimoyapula, she helped train a group of elderly women to produce school uniforms, providing them with industrial sewing machines and valuable skills training. This initiative not only empowered the women financially but also created local jobs, contributing to the region’s economic growth.
“We aim to create jobs and empower communities,” Kagiso says. “It’s about building a sustainable future for Botswana.”
Kagiso’s tireless commitment to social change in Botswana has earned her international recognition. In 2021, she received the prestigious Commonwealth Points of Light Award for her outstanding contributions to community service. In 2023, she was a finalist for the Leader of Tomorrow award by MasterCard and Entrepreneur magazine.
Kagiso’s ongoing efforts to uplift communities in Botswana and her work in social entrepreneurship are a testament to the impact that one person can have. In her own words, “You don’t have to be rich to make a change in your community.”
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