Botswana-born and pan-African microfinance lender Letshego Group has officially launched the LetsGo Digital Mastery Programme and unveiled the 10 candidates selected for the program which attracted over 1000 applicants.
In a statement, Letshego Group stated that the program is part of its people-first strategy that aims to build future-fit communities where digital or tech is used as a strategic enabler for growth and economic development.
Qualifying applicants were expected to demonstrate foundational digital expertise, and a passion to expand their aptitude into digital financial skills and hands-on regional experience within the swiftly evolving financial sector.
Letshego’s Group Chairman Enos Banda mentioned that “By 2100 one in three people will be African – this means that by the end of this century, our region, sub–Saharan Africa, will be home to almost half of the young people on the globe. Finding innovative ways to empower fellow Africans with digital and entrepreneurial skills will not only build future leaders but also support future economic growth.”
As part of the selection process, Letshego applied a rigorous, multi-stage recruitment and evaluation process for applicants which included psychometric assessments used to provide measurable, objective data and a comprehensive view of suitability, enabling scientific credibility and objectivity in the selection process. The applicants also partook in practical projects where candidates were introduced to Agile Methodology and tested on their digital ideas, personal planning and ability to deliver. Finally, the candidates were taken through a series of interviews with Letshego Executives to discuss potential, verify experience, qualifications, drive and Organisational fit.
According to Letshego’s Interim Group Chief Executive Aupa Monyatsi, “The LetsGo Digital Mastery Programme is a unique way we are extending the benefits of digital transformation outside of our organisation. Through this programme we are supporting the Botswana Government’s objective to build a knowledge-based economy, as well as empowering individuals with entrepreneurial mindsets and skills to spur sustainable and innovative development to grow future leaders and benefit our nation.”
The 18-month LetsGo Digital Mastery includes a practical learning sponsorship worth over P500, 000 per candidate to develop a digital business idea through training and practical learning and also gain expertise and become confident digital leaders with international exposure. The sponsorship will include attending the Mckinsey Management Accelerator Programme to refine and sharpen candidates' mindset, capabilities & behaviour to accelerate career progression and foster a strong network with leaders from many organisations as well as attending the Lean Innovation Bootcamp where candidates will learn how modern companies tackle innovation, everything from Design Thinking, Lean Startup, Market Development to Growth Hacking.
At the end of the programme, the candidates will be enabled to grow innovative digital ideas from the sand-box and ideation phase to a minimum viable product and to grow and scale existing business ideas by harnessing digital technologies.