Bon Voyage Celebration
BON VOYAGE CELEBRATION
Création Botswana Hosts Heartfelt Bon Voyage Celebration for Designers Departing to France
Création Botswana hosted a special Bon Voyage celebration at Alliance Française de Gaborone on 24 September 2025, honouring the eight Cohort 2 designers selected to embark on a transformative two-week Learning Expedition in France. The event marked a significant and emotional milestone in the programme, gathering partners, media, family, and supporters to celebrate the designers’ achievements and send them off in style.
First Meeting with Her Excellency Valérie Baraban
A highlight of the evening was the presence of Her Excellency Valérie Baraban, the newly appointed French Ambassador to Botswana, who attended in what she noted was her very first cultural event in the country. In her speech, she warmly reaffirmed France’s strong and ongoing support for Création Botswana and for Botswana’s creative industries, emphasizing the importance of international exchange, artistic dialogue, and the cultural partnership between the two nations.
Her remarks, as captured in the official press release, underscored the Embassy’s commitment to sustained collaboration and growth in the creative sector.
Also addressing guests was Anne-Charlotte Monneret, the new Director of Alliance Française de Gaborone, who reaffirmed the Alliance’s longstanding dedication to nurturing local talent and driving forward Botswana’s cultural and creative ecosystem.
Celebrating the Designers’ Journey
The eight designers honoured at the Bon Voyage event— Botho Chalebgwa, Candida Montsho, Boikanyo Molale, Sabine Matsheka, Moitshepi Mokaila, Gomotsegang Dipuo, Mboko Basiami, and Gaekgone Lesego—have completed a rigorous year of brand development, masterclasses, industry training, and public showcases.
Their Learning Expedition to France represents the culmination of their work and the beginning of their international expansion journey.
● Opening remarks and networking as the designers mingled with partners and media
● Speeches from Her Excellency and Alliance Française’s Director
● A detailed presentation of the France Learning Expedition
● A panel discussion and media Q&A featuring designers and programme leads
● A commemorative photo session with the Ambassador, partners, and beneficiaries
● A closing round of refreshments and conversation celebrating unity and excitement ahead of the trip
● Capability (business systems, export readiness, market insight)
● Visibility (runways, pop-ups, international exposure)
● Market intelligence (quality standards, buyer expectations, pricing and sourcing strategies)
These objectives were emphasized in the Project Manager Nature Inger’s speech, reminding designers to make the most of every visit, conversation, and opportunity.
A Send-Off Filled with Hope, Pride & Global Ambition
The Bon Voyage celebration was a collective moment of pride. Guests expressed admiration for how far the designers have come and excitement for the global stages they are now stepping onto.
Her Excellency Valérie Baraban’s presence and reaffirmation of support marked a symbolic and motivating moment for the entire Création Botswana community. As the designers prepare to represent Botswana in Paris and Montpellier, the event served as a powerful reminder that they carry not only their collections, but also the aspirations of a nation rising in the global fashion conversation.
Création Botswana wishes them a safe journey, meaningful connections, and transformative experiences as they take Botswana’s creativity to the world.
