Lucara and ABSA Partnership Press Conference
LUCARA & ABSA PARTNERSHIPS CONFERENCE
Création Botswana Signs Partnerships with Lucara Botswana & Absa Bank to Support Fashion Entrepreneurship
On Thursday, 3rd July 2025, Création Botswana hosted an official signing ceremony and press conference at Alliance Française de Gaborone to announce two major partnerships with Lucara Botswana and Absa Bank Botswana. These collaborations mark an exciting milestone in the programme’s mission to empower emerging fashion entrepreneurs and strengthen Botswana’s creative economy.
Through these partnerships, Lucara Botswana and Absa Bank Botswana will each award BWP 50,000 to the two top winners of the upcoming Création Botswana Pitching
Competition, taking place on Friday, July 11th, at the Botswana National Museum. The prizes recognise outstanding innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainability within Botswana’s thriving fashion sector.
The signing ceremony brought together government leaders, diplomatic representatives, corporate partners, the Création Botswana team, and programme beneficiaries for a morning of celebration, reflection, and shared vision. Keynote remarks were delivered by:
- His Excellency Ambassador Olivier Brochenin, French Ambassador to Botswana
- Naseem Lahri, Managing Director of Lucara Botswana
- Keabetswe Pheko-Moshagane, Managing Director of Absa Bank Botswana
- Bokani Machinya, President of Alliance Française de Gaborone
Their speeches underscored the strategic importance of investing in Botswana’s creative industries and the transformative potential of young fashion entrepreneurs when given access to funding, training, and international networks.
- Thatayaone Modiitsane (Cohort 1)
- Boikanyo Molale (Cohort 2)
Their reflections highlighted the breakthroughs, challenges, and growth experienced throughout the Création Botswana programme, from redefining brand identity to strengthening business models, mastering storytelling, improving production practices, and preparing for global markets. These heartfelt stories reaffirmed the tangible value of the programme and the life-changing opportunities it continues to unlock.
- Yoann Talhouarne, Technical Advisor, National Arts Council of Botswana
- Obenne Mbaakanyi, Director of Creative & Cultural Sector Development, NACB
- Angélique Saverino, Director, Alliance Française de Gaborone
The signing ceremony brought together government leaders, diplomatic representatives, corporate partners, the Création Botswana team, and programme beneficiaries for a morning of celebration, reflection, and shared vision. Keynote remarks were delivered by:
Their speeches underscored the strategic importance of investing in Botswana’s creative industries and the transformative potential of young fashion entrepreneurs when given access to funding, training, and international networks.The panellists spoke about the structure of the programme, the intensive training delivered to the 28 beneficiaries, and the need for continued investment in Botswana’s cultural and creative sectors. They also expressed immense gratitude to the partners whose support directly fuels career development, business growth, and creative innovation.
A Celebration of Partnership, Creativity, & Botswana’s Fashion Future
The July 3rd signing ceremony was a celebration of shared values, trust, and a long-term
commitment to nurturing Botswana’s creative talent. Lucara Botswana and Absa Bank Botswana’s investment reflects growing recognition of fashion as a powerful economic sector capable of job creation, cultural preservation, and international influence. For Création Botswana’s 28 beneficiaries, this event was a powerful reminder that their work, passion, and commitment are seen, supported, and valued.
As the programme approaches its final milestones, the momentum continues to build toward a strong, sustainable, and globally engaged fashion ecosystem in Botswana.
