Press Release
Introducing Création Botswana to the Public 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 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:
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Business development training
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Mentorship from industry professionals
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International exposure and mobility
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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.
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 noted 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 highlighted the importance of working together across public and private sectors to not only showcase Batswana creativity but also provide the business skills and structures necessary for long-term success.
A Milestone in French - Botswana Cultural Cooperation
Speaking on behalf of the French government, Ambassador Olivier Brochenin described the programme as part of a broader commitment to strengthening ties between France and Botswana through culture, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
He noted that Création Botswana is one of several initiatives developed under the Gaborone Declaration—a formal agreement supporting cooperation in priority sectors such as digital transformation, agriculture, tourism, and creative industries.