The creative industries have been placed in the next wave of economic transformation following a major budget proposal by the Minister of Sport and Arts, Honourable Jacob Kelebeng, to the National Assembly, with funds accounting for only 10% of the budget.
Presenting the National Development Plan 12 Public Investment Programme (PIP) on November 4, 2025, Kelebeng outlined a multi-billion-pula investment aimed at turning the arts, culture, and creative industries into a sustainable economic sector capable of generating jobs, income, and global recognition.
“Botswana will be a global hub for sport, culture and creative industries, where talent thrives for individual and sustainable economic prosperity,” Kelebeng declared in his address to Parliament.
The NDP 12 identifies the creative industries as a strategic growth sector under the national diversification agenda, envisioning the professionalization of the arts through investment in infrastructure, digital transformation, and policy reforms that support local content and commercialization. Kelebeng acknowledged that the sector has been “underdeveloped due to lack of comprehensive policy framework, under-investment, and sub-optimal infrastructure development,” but said this will change through deliberate investment and modernization.
The Minister requested a total of P6.113 billion for projects and programmes under the Ministry of Sport and Arts during the NDP 12 period from 2025 to 2030. Out of this, P610 million or 10% share will directly benefit the creative industries, with investments targeting infrastructure, digital innovation, and film industry regulation. Among the key projects proposed are the construction of a State Theatre at P299.9 million, a National Art Gallery at P54.5 million, refurbishment of cultural centres at P5 million, village centres for creative spaces at P4.2 million, community engagement centres at P4.4 million, and the establishment of Sport and Art Centres worth P117.9 million.
“Investment in infrastructure and provision of equipment tailored to the needs of the creative industry will foster growth for high-quality creative content production,” said Kelebeng.
In recognition of the growing digital economy, the Ministry has proposed P42.7 million for computerization and digital systems, including a Digital Content Creative Hub at P13.9 million, a NACB Creatives Online Platform at P3.1 million, and new Information Management Systems and ICT infrastructure to streamline management and data-driven policymaking. Kelebeng noted that “advancements in digital platforms, virtual reality and Artificial Intelligence offer new ways to develop and market sports and arts,” emphasizing the need for the sector to “invest in digital innovation and partner with tech organizations to remain competitive globally.”
The NDP 12 and accompanying PIP underscore the employment potential of the creative industries, which span visual arts, design, film, music, theatre, fashion, and crafts. With infrastructure expansion and digital integration, new roles are expected to emerge across the creative value chain, including content creators, film technicians, curators, digital designers, performance artists, sound engineers, and event managers. These investments will also stimulate community-level jobs through cultural centres, creative hubs, and local production facilities. The government’s push for film industry development through a Film Commission budgeted at P183.6 million will open opportunities for producers, editors, directors, actors, and location service providers. “The Commission’s responsibilities will include regulating the Film and TV industry, marketing Botswana as a film destination, promoting film tourism and supporting co-productions and partnerships,” Kelebeng explained.
Beyond economics, the creative industry strategy also reinforces Botswana’s cultural identity. The documentation, cataloguing, and valuation of the National Art Collection, budgeted at P21.2 million, will ensure national heritage is preserved and made accessible through digital archives and exhibitions. Kelebeng said the goal is not just to create jobs, but to build a self-sustaining cultural ecosystem that empowers Batswana to “commercialize, preserve, and celebrate their cultural heritage.”
