Thabo Prince Thamane is a prominent figure in Botswana’s development finance sector, known for his extensive career at the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA). With over two decades of experience in public service, Thamane has held various leadership roles, rising through the ranks to become CEDA’s Chief Executive Officer in 2011. Here are 20 Things You Should Know About Thabo Thamane, CEDA CEO
1. Full Name: Thabo Prince Thamane.
2. Role at CEDA: Thamane has been the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) since January 1, 2011.
3. Years at CEDA: He joined CEDA in 2003 and worked his way through various management roles, including Deputy CEO (Operations), before becoming the CEO.
4. Education: Thamane earned a combined Finance degree from the University of Botswana.
5. Further Education: He completed leadership training at Wits Business School (South Africa) and Executive Development at London Business School (United Kingdom).
6. Advanced Degree: Thamane holds an MBA specializing in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from York St. John University in the UK.
7. Early Management Role: In 2007, while at CEDA, he was instrumental in establishing the Young Farmers Fund, where he trained staff, developed procedures, and led the initiative.
8. Agribusiness Leadership: In 2009, Thamane was appointed to lead CEDA’s Agribusiness sector, focusing on supporting agriculture-related businesses.
9. Global Leadership: In June 2019, Thamane was elected Chairman of the African Association of Development Finance Institutions (AADFI), which has 82 member institutions headquartered in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
10. Chairmanship at WFDFI: In 2019, Thamane was also appointed Chairman of the World Federation of Development Financial Institutions (WFDFI), which includes global development finance institutions.
11. Board Member: Thamane serves as a board member at the Botswana Tourism Organisation, adding to his diverse portfolio of leadership roles.
12. Primary Responsibility: As CEDA CEO, Thamane advises the board on policy matters and oversees the implementation of strategies and resolutions.
13. CEDA Young Farmers Fund: His work with the fund helped establish critical support mechanisms for young entrepreneurs in agriculture, making the sector more accessible.
14. Connection to AADFI: Before becoming Chairman, Thamane served for years as an EXCO Member of the AADFI, gaining significant experience in development finance.
15. Experience in Policy Development: Thamane has played a key role in shaping policies aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and improving CEDA’s operations.
16. Awards and Recognition: While under his leadership, CEDA received recognition from AADFI as the Best Performing Development Financial Institution (DFI) for three consecutive years (2013, 2014, 2015).
17. International Involvement: AADFI, where he serves as Chairman, has observer status at the World Bank and is part of the World Federation of Development Financing Institutions.
18. Years in Leadership: With over 20 years of experience in development finance, Thamane is among Botswana’s longest-serving executives in the public sector.
19. Strategic Oversight: His role as CEO includes ensuring that CEDA achieves its strategic objectives, including the growth of Botswana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
20. Public Sector Commitment: Thamane has spent nearly two decades in a government-backed organization, focusing on economic development and empowerment programs for Batswana.
This timeline showcases Thabo Thamane’s professional journey, highlighting his educational background, career milestones, and leadership roles in Botswana and beyond.
