Windfall for Botswana’s budding young entrepreneur
US base shoe company sponsors his benchmarking trip
Katso Masilo, a 24- year- old student at the University of Botswana and budding entrepreneur, re ects on this week’s Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa as an enlightening experience that broadened his perspective, boosted his con dence, and captivated him with its global outlook.
Describing himself as an African entrepreneur, Masilo is the driving force behind the Bijoux Africa Group, an ultra- modern shoe brand - where he serves as the founder and Chief Executive O cer. He articulates his commitment to achieving excellence in all endeavours and nurturing top- tier talent and expertise.
As a final year finance student, Masilo seized the opportunity to participate and showcase his business at this prestigious event, which serendipitously came his way. His decision proved fortuitous when he impressed the executives of renowned American shoe brand Steve Madden.
Speaking to Botswana Guardian in an interview, Masilo expressed his elation, saying, “Honestly, the Forbes Summit has been amazing and truly eye- opening. Opportunities like these are rare in Botswana let alone the entire African continent, so the fact that it happened here allowed us to interact with global gures.”
His participation in the global summit has opened doors for him. “It’s incredible; just by being here and discussing my business, someone o ered me a once- in- a- lifetime opportunity. I’m thrilled and can’t wait to see how it unfolds,” he said, adding that one of the board members of Steve Madden o ered him an all- expense- paid trip to the United States.
He believes that the trip will give him insights into marketing strategies and understanding the shoe and fashion industry. “I am truly grateful for this opportunity. It’s exactly why we attend summits like this— to leverage and add value,” he said, adding that it is a dream come true for him, especially since he has never travelled outside of Africa, let alone to the United States. Masilo said it all started with pressure. He used to buy a lot of Jordan sneakers, and one day his mother asked him why he kept buying the same type of shoes since they all looked alike. “Her question hit me hard, and I realised I needed to do something.” “en, I met eo Baloyi, a South African entrepreneur and CEO of Bathu Shoes, who had previously worked as a senior associate at PwC in Dubai. I was inspired by how they were shaping the luxury narrative of African storytelling, so I decided to leverage that.”
When he launched his company on his birthday two years ago, he did not expect it to receive so much attention. But it did. Today, he is still amazed by the opportunities that come his way.
His message to the youth who could not make it to the Summit is that, “Never give up. Always follow what’s in your heart. e deep voice within you, that’s the one you should listen to.”
Brimming with con dence, when asked where he sees himself in the next 10 years, Masilo replied, “You will remember my name. I won’t just be in the shoe business; I will be in various sectors. You will remember me for helping youth because I started this journey as a young person.
“I know the struggle of trying to get into an o ce and being underestimated. ere are many other businesses here in Botswana that aren’t related to footwear. In a nutshell, I aim to become a prominent businessman, and I know I will achieve that.”
Masilo has even partnered with UNICEF. “ese are the things that motivate young people to create impact, resonate with Africans, and represent us in the right way,” Masilo said.
He said Africa is ready for business, and that Africa is not what people conceive the continent to be. “We are reigniting the African spirit, empowering youth, and telling the right stories to the world.”
When he launched his company on his birthday two years ago, he did not expect it to receive so much attention. But it did.