This year’s Global Expo Botswana introduces a moment that feels quietly significant: the Botswana Entrepreneurship and Creatives Day. Set for October 10th under the theme “The Creative Economy Reimagined! Harnessing the Creative Capital for Economic Transformation,” the session is designed to explore how Botswana can move from acknowledging creativity to structuring it—building systems that make the creative economy scalable, investable, and sustainable.

The creative sector has always been part of the Expo in some form. Artists, designers, and cultural entrepreneurs have added colour and vibrancy to the event year after year. But this year’s inclusion of a dedicated Creatives Day, with its own keynote and main panel discussion, signals a shift from performance to participation. The conversation isn’t about creativity as spectacle—it’s about creativity as strategy, and how it can contribute meaningfully to Botswana’s broader economic transformation agenda.

Moderated by Samantha Mogwe, a multidisciplinary creative, broadcaster, and award-winning artist, the main panel will bring together voices from both policy and practice. The line-up features representatives from Business Botswana, the Ministry of Sport and Arts, the National Arts Council, CIPA, and experienced cultural entrepreneurs who have lived the realities of creating and sustaining businesses in this space. The discussion will explore the creative value chain, funding and market access, infrastructure needs, and policy alignment.

What makes this session particularly relevant is its grounding in realism. It acknowledges the potential of the creative sector, but also its current limitations—gaps in support structures, fragmented value chains, and the ongoing challenge of translating talent into enterprise. The aim is not to romanticise the creative industry, but to interrogate what a functioning creative economy actually looks like in a Botswana context.

The theme, “The Creative Economy Reimagined,” invites a collective rethink of how the sector is structured and how it can evolve beyond sporadic projects and events. It’s about building a foundation for long-term growth—where creativity is not just a cultural expression but an economic engine capable of creating jobs, driving exports, and influencing how Botswana positions itself globally.

As someone who has participated in the Global Expo before—winning a Hackathon in the tech track in 2019—I know that the value of the Expo lies in its ability to connect ideas across industries. The introduction of the Creatives Day feels like a natural extension of that vision. It recognises that innovation doesn’t only happen in laboratories or boardrooms—it also happens in studios, on stages, and in the imagination of every artist, designer, writer, and musician working to create something new.

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The Creative Economy Reimagined panel represents a conversation long overdue. Its success won’t be measured by applause or attendance, but by whether the dialogue begins to influence how we build structures around creativity in Botswana. For many of us working within the sector—as creatives, strategists, or consultants—this feels less like a celebration and more like a necessary step toward alignment, coherence, and accountability.

The Botswana Entrepreneurship and Creatives Day is more than a panel discussion—it’s an opportunity to look inward, to assess where we are, and to begin shaping where we want to go. Whether you’re a creative, policymaker, investor, or entrepreneur, this is a space worth being part of—not because it promises instant change, but because it opens the door to the kind of change that lasts.

🎟️ Tickets available at www.globalexpo.co.bw

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This August, Botswana’s vibrant music industry is poised for significant representation on a major international stage. We are thrilled to congratulate two of our most influential figures, Banyezus and Eddie Mihigo, on their inclusion in the esteemed speaker roster for The Music Imbizo 2025, set to take place in Durban, South Africa. Their presence at this premier African music business conference is a powerful testament to the growing impact and expertise emanating from Botswana.

Banyezus, a name synonymous with authentic African hip-hop culture, is set to bring her sharp insights and passion to the forefront. As Botswana’s leading voice in this space, her role as a media commentator, journalist, and cultural connector has consistently championed genuine storytelling and vital cross-border collaboration within the Southern African music scene. Her inclusion at The Music Imbizo is a natural fit, providing a crucial platform for her to share her invaluable perspective and advocate for the sounds and stories emerging from our region.

Joining her is Eddie Mihigo, a seasoned figure in the Botswana music industry known for his dedication to empowering creatives through education and networking. As an organizer of impactful music business sessions locally, Eddie’s expertise in navigating the complexities of the industry, fostering connections, and unlocking opportunities will be a tremendous asset to the Imbizo’s discussions. His presence underscores Botswana’s commitment to not just artistic creation, but also the strategic business development essential for sustainable growth.

The Music Imbizo is renowned as Africa’s most important music business gathering, bringing together diverse stakeholders to map new and exciting ways forward for the continent’s music industry. It’s a platform for exhibiting, networking, sharing expertise, and doing business. For Banyezus and Eddie Mihigo to be part of this dialogue is not just a personal achievement, but a significant moment for Botswana. It amplifies our nation’s voice, showcasing the depth of talent and strategic thinking present within our borders.

This is a clear step towards the collective vision of seeing “more African voices in global spaces.” We celebrate Banyezus and Eddie Mihigo for taking Botswana’s narrative to the world stage, inspiring countless aspiring artists and industry professionals back home. Their participation promises to enrich the discussions at The Music Imbizo and further solidify Botswana’s position in the global music conversation.

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Alright, let’s talk shop – and let’s talk heart. As a Senior Strategist who’s spent years navigating the advertising currents here, I’ve seen countless campaigns come and go. But when Jonny Pula and Savanna dropped ‘Tswavanna,’ it wasn’t just another launch; it was a moment. And honestly? As a genuine fan of Jonny’s work, it’s been an absolute joy to watch it unfold.

From a strategic standpoint, this campaign is a breath of fresh air. For too long, we’ve seen major brand activations in this region arrive pre-packaged from South Africa, often missing that crucial, nuanced local pulse that truly resonates. ‘Tswavanna’ actively shatters that mold. It’s a testament to a deep, patient understanding of the Botswana market, meticulously crafted to be genuinely Tswana-centric from its brilliant, culturally fused name to the impeccable talent selection and the entire rollout strategy. This thoughtful, deliberate approach is precisely what we, as local creatives, have been championing, and seeing it executed so flawlessly is incredibly rewarding.

The choice of Jonny Pula as the face of ‘Tswavanna’ is, quite simply, a masterstroke. Beyond his celebrated sharp comedic timing and relatable humor, Jonny possesses an innate ability to connect with batho ba Botswana, a man of the nation’s culture. He brings authenticity to the Savanna brand, embodying that aspirational yet grounded spirit that speaks directly to the brand’s demographic. This isn’t just an endorsement; it’s a natural, organic alignment between a brand known for its crisp wit and an individual who effortlessly exudes sophistication through laughter and keen observation. As a fan, it’s truly fantastic to see Jonny Pula get this well-deserved moment in the spotlight, a powerful recognition of his talent and appeal.

The ‘Tswavanna’ campaign itself is a textbook example of marketing done right. The name – a clever fusion of “Tswana” and “Savanna” – immediately signals a celebration of local identity on a global stage. It’s a proud nod to our cultural roots, wrapped in a contemporary, accessible package. We’re seeing the campaign brilliantly leverage Jonny Pula’s distinct comedic voice and engaging presence, delivering humorous scenarios, sharp punchlines, and engaging video content that showcases not just the product, but a lifestyle – one that’s confident, discerning, and deeply rooted in the vibrant experience of Botswana, all delivered with that signature Jonny Pula swag.

This partnership transcends a mere commercial venture; it’s a timely cultural statement. It highlights the growing recognition of local influencers, particularly those in the comedy space, and their significant ability to shape narratives and drive genuine engagement. For Savanna, aligning with Jonny Pula means tapping directly into a demographic that values authenticity, humor, and aspirational local figures. For Jonny Pula, it’s a powerful validation of his brand and influence, further solidifying his position as a tastemaker and cultural ambassador through his unique comedic lens.

Tswavanna is a beacon of progress in Botswana’s advertising landscape. It’s a testament to smart strategy, genuine connection, and the undeniable power of local cool, served with a healthy dose of laughter. As someone who’s worked in this space, seeing a campaign so thoughtfully rooted in our own culture and talent is genuinely inspiring. This one’s making waves, and deservedly so.

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