The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the creative industry has become a subject of great interest worldwide, and Botswana is no exception. According to Otsetswe Koboyankwe, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Arts Council of Botswana (NACB), AI technology presents both opportunities and challenges for local artists and the broader creative sector.
“The future of AI in creative industries cannot be discounted. Embracing the confluence of technology and human creativity has the potential of pushing the limits of what was traditionally thought impossible. Thus, enabling employment creation, digitisation, monetisation and commercialization of the creative sector in Botswana,” Koboyankwe said.
To navigate this new digital era, the NACB is committed to working with experts from various fields to develop policies that will guide the sector’s adaptation to AI. This approach will help ensure that Botswana’s artists are not left behind in the global technological revolution but are instead equipped to compete in the international creative economy.
“As an entity that operates within the international sphere with the mandate to develop and commercialise the creative sector in Botswana; the NACB keeps abreast with technological developments that have the potential to advance the creative industry,” Koboyankwe stated.
A key objective of the NACB is to enable Batswana artists to access international markets. This requires the NACB to closely monitor global trends and discussions, such as those that took place at the recently concluded AI Summit in Paris in February 2025. One of the summit’s significant highlights was the address by the UN Secretary-General, who emphasized the importance of a shared vision for technology’s role in society.
“The Global Digital Compact is a comprehensive framework for global governance of digital technology and artificial intelligence,” Koboyankwe explained, referencing the UN Secretary-General’s assertion that technology should serve humanity rather than control it. This international perspective aligns with the NACB’s goal of ensuring that AI is harnessed to benefit Botswana’s creative industry.
While AI continues to revolutionize the global creative sector, its role in Botswana remains an evolving discussion. The NACB sees immense potential in merging AI with human creativity, which could lead to increased employment opportunities, digitization, monetization, and commercialization of local art. However, this transformation requires careful planning and policy development.
As AI continues to evolve, the NACB’s commitment to embracing technology while safeguarding artistic integrity remains crucial.
