OPENING PRESS RELEASE
Laying the Foundation for Fashion Entrepreneurship in Botswana
A Response to Real Needs in the Fashion Sector
During the press event, speakers acknowledged that while Botswana is home to immense creative talent, local designers continue to face significant challenges when it comes to scaling their businesses, accessing markets, and entering global supply chains.
The Création Botswana programme responds to this gap by providing selected participants with structured access to:
- Business development training
- Mentorship from industry professionals
- International exposure and mobility
- Opportunities for funding and collaboration
The programme supports two distinct cohorts of fashion entrepreneurs—emerging and established designers—ensuring that both early-stage businesses and more developed brands receive the tailored support they need to grow.
Laying the Foundation for Fashion Entrepreneurship in Botswana
The Création Botswana programme was officially introduced to the media during a press briefing held at Alliance Française de Gaborone, offering the first public insight into an initiative dedicated to advancing fashion entrepreneurship in Botswana.
Coordinated by the National Arts Council of Botswana and Alliance Française de Gaborone, with support from the French Embassy in Botswana, the programme aims to strengthen Botswana’s creative industries through targeted support for fashion and textile professionals. Its long-term goal is to contribute to economic diversification by transforming fashion into a competitive, sustainable industry.
A Milestone in French–Botswana Cultural Cooperation
Speaking on behalf of the French government, Ambassador Olivier Brochenin reflected on the programme’s role within the broader partnership between France and Botswana. He highlighted that Création Botswana forms part of an ongoing commitment to deepening bilateral ties through culture, innovation, and entrepreneurship. His remarks further pointed to the programme’s place within the Gaborone Declaration, a formal framework that advances cooperation across priority sectors such as digital transformation, agriculture, tourism, and the creative industries—underscoring France’s continued dedication to supporting Botswana’s development aspirations
Advancing Botswana’s Creative Industries Through Collaboration
At the event, Angélique Saverino, Director of Alliance Française de Gaborone, spoke about the significance of this collaboration between Botswana and France. She emphasised that the programme reflects a shared vision to uplift local talent, preserve cultural heritage, and position Botswana’s fashion sector on the global stage. Her remarks, echoed by Yoann Talhouarne, Technical Advisor at the French Embassy, and Obenne Mbaakanyi, Director of Creative and Cultural Sector Development at the National Arts Council of Botswana, underscored their collective commitment to the programme and its importance for Botswana’s creative economy. Together, they highlighted the value of public–private partnerships that not only showcase Batswana creativity but also provide the business skills and structures necessary for long-term success.
