Motse (moo-tse) meaning ‘village’ in Setswana
Remarkable achievements often stem from collaboration among exceptional individuals. When extraordinary minds unite, they amplify impact, catalyse action, and drive positive change. These impact-driven groups and individuals comprehend that substantial progress is best achieved collectively. By pooling our diverse talents, skills, knowledge, and resources, we unlock the potential for significant growth, development, and prosperity on a grand scale.
Yet, how do we cultivate transformative groups? How do we foster genuine connections with entrepreneurship ecosystem stakeholders and develop a culture of sharing and engagement? How can we imbue our actions with a sense of urgency, and how might the ecosystem better support entrepreneurs facing challenges?
Motse Collective Impact embraces the wisdom that just as it takes a village to raise a child, it will take an entire ecosystem to nurture and sustain the journey of entrepreneurship.
Motse Collective Impact aptly named “Motse” (meaning village in Setswana), was introduced at an entrepreneurship ecosystem gathering at the end of 2023, hosted by Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy South Africa in partnership with Aife ( African Institute for Entrepreneurship) and the Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Aspiring to contribute to the creation of an enabling entrepreneurial ecosystem in South Africa, the gathering seeks to make the journey of entrepreneurship not only feasible but thriving. By fostering collaboration, creating connections, and instilling a spirit of shared purpose, Motse aims to propel entrepreneurship forward, empowering individuals to reach new heights of success and impact.
Motse Collective Impact operates on a collaborative ethos, drawing inspiration from the Collective Impact Model.
At the core of our approach are five fundamental elements:
- To have Shared Vision and Goals
- Shared Measurement
- Mutually Reinforcing Activities
- Continuous Communication
- Backbone Support
Motse Collective Impact acts as a catalyst for connecting and mobilising the South African entrepreneurship support community . Through meaningful dialogue and action-oriented collaboration, we aim to empower stakeholders to address specific gaps in support for entrepreneurs. By grounding our work in evidence and targeting specific needs, we ensure that our efforts are effective, cohesive, and collaborative.
South Africa’s entrepreneurship ecosystem is fragmented and lacks cohesive information sharing, necessitating a collective platform for shared learnings and measuring milestones.
The 2023 Motse Collective Impact Gathering, aimed to unite ecosystem builders and enablers.
The event focused on reflecting on the state of entrepreneurship, highlighting synergies, and identifying key levers to foster an equitable society through entrepreneurship.
Over 120 ecosystem enablers, policymakers, government representatives, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders interested in positively contributing to entrepreneurship attended the event in Cape Town to discuss collaboration and innovation.
In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, collaboration emerges as a cornerstone for sustainable growth and innovation. Our recent exploration of collaborative endeavours within the ecosystem has yielded invaluable insights, shaping our collective understanding of effective partnership and impact.
General Insights from the Motse Collective Impact Gathering
- Co-created Vision: We recognise the pivotal role of establishing a shared vision, mission, and principles in driving collective impact. By collaboratively defining our purpose, we foster alignment and cohesion among stakeholders, laying the groundwork for meaningful collaboration.
- Legitimacy and Trust: Transparency and trust are foundational elements in fostering fruitful collaboration. Emphasizing open communication and accountability mechanisms builds legitimacy and trust among participants, nurturing a collaborative environment.
- Strategic Onboarding: The process of onboarding new members plays a crucial role in cultivating a thriving collaborative ecosystem. Prioritising open and principles-driven onboarding procedures facilitates the integration of diverse perspectives, enriching the collaborative fabric.
- Governance: Neutral and objective governance structures are essential for equitable decision-making and consensus-building. Advocating for governance mechanisms that uphold fairness and impartiality fosters an environment conducive to effective collaboration.
- Entrepreneur Involvement: The invaluable perspective and expertise of entrepreneurs must be integrated into all stages of collaboration. Active engagement of entrepreneurs as equal partners harnesses their creativity and innovation to drive impactful change.
- Clarity in Roles: Clear delineation of roles, expectations, and information-sharing principles is crucial for fostering efficiency and alignment. Providing clarity on responsibilities promotes effective collaboration throughout the journey.
Conclusions and Recommendations
- Conclusions: Our exploration acknowledges the complexity of the entrepreneurship ecosystem and underscores the importance of collaboration and evidence-based data in driving ecosystem improvement.
- Recommendations: To nurture sustainable enterprises, we recommend a shift in focus from merely creating businesses. Improving data collection and sharing is imperative for better understanding the ecosystem. Engaging in small-scale initiatives and providing strategic support can foster collaboration within the ecosystem.
For a detailed overview of the gathering, we invite you to explore the full report and the discussions and masterclasses.
Together, let’s unlock the collaborative potential within the entrepreneurship ecosystem, driving sustainable growth and innovation. Sign up for your invitation to the next Motse Collective meet up (online), where everyone can indicate their interest and contribute to shaping the future of entrepreneurship. Contact Us now!
Let’s work together to identify a common goal that aligns with our current activities and supports the thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem. Together, we can make a difference!
You can read the full report, here!
