Botswana’s Creative Sector: A Catalyst for Economic Growth
Botswana is taking strategic steps to transform its creative sector into a key driver of economic development, drawing inspiration from the success of South Africa in attracting global filmmakers.
Learning from South Africa’s experience in creating a thriving film industry, Botswana is implementing film-friendly policies to rejuvenate its creative economy and establish itself as a prominent filming destination in the region.
Mary Bohanze, a film tutor at the South African Film Academy, emphasizes the importance of early adoption of supportive policies in propelling South Africa’s film industry to regional excellence, setting a benchmark for neighboring countries like Botswana.
South Africa’s film and TV sector has been a hotspot for Hollywood productions and streaming giants, hosting blockbuster movies and popular series, attracting significant foreign investment and boosting the country’s economy.
Botswana is following suit by launching Botswana Ignite, a film agency dedicated to transforming the creative economy through tax incentives and other measures to attract local and international productions.
Since its inception, Botswana has seen a surge in local and foreign productions, with shows like Family Feud Botswana and the African adaptation of Liar being filmed in the country, showcasing its potential as a filming hub.
The success of these productions has put Botswana on the map as a promising location for global content creation, with plans for more international shows like ‘Hunted’ and the hosting of the Wildscreen Festival in Maun.
Other African countries like Ghana, Mauritius, and Morocco are also implementing reforms to boost their creative economies, attracting international filmmakers and stimulating job creation in the industry.
According to industry reports, the entertainment and media sector in Africa is projected to outpace global growth rates, with countries like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya expected to see significant revenue increases in the coming years.
Botswana’s journey towards becoming a prominent film hub in Africa is a testament to the transformative power of strategic reforms and supportive policies in unlocking the economic potential of the creative sector.
By Boniface Orucho, Bird Story Agency
