Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Africa Links 24
Published on 2024-04-10 18:35:21
The highly anticipated “Botswana Ignite” initiative, formerly known as Botswana Ignite, was officially unveiled last week at the BTV Auditorium in Gaborone. This project, in collaboration with American TV host Steve Harvey, aims to promote the growth of Botswana’s television and video production industries by nurturing local talent and creating opportunities for professionals in the creative and film sectors.
During the unveiling event, Oshinka Tsiang from the Ministry for State President emphasized the importance of the creative industry as a key driver for economic growth and the transition towards a knowledge-based economy. The project, announced by President Mokgweetsi Masisi in 2019, aims to tap into the trillions of dollars generated by the global creative industry and position Botswana as a competitive player in this lucrative market.
Duncan Irvine, co-founder of Forge Media & Entertainment, shared insights on the Botswana Ignite project, highlighting its role in providing training and development opportunities for local talent while enhancing the quality and quantity of television productions in Botswana. The project will also support ancillary businesses aligned with production and attract foreign investments to increase revenue and exposure for Botswana stories on the global stage.
Central to the initiative are the Botswana TV Academy, Botswana Wildlife Film School, masterclasses, and On-Production Mentorship programs, designed to serve as incubators for innovation and excellence in the creative industry. These initiatives aim to unleash the full potential of Botswana’s creative landscape, leading to global recognition and sustainable growth in the sector.
One of the flagship shows launched under the Botswana Ignite initiative is the Family Feud Botswana game show, which features two families competing to guess the most answers to questions surveyed from the general public. Additionally, a comedy/drama series and a reality show are set to be launched in the coming months, further showcasing Botswana’s creative talent and storytelling abilities.
As part of the project, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports, and Culture Development will establish the Botswana Film Commission to promote the country as a competitive destination for film, television, and multimedia productions. The Film Commission aims to attract global production opportunities and investments to Botswana while ensuring economic benefits are distributed across the country and its citizens.
Overall, the Botswana Ignite initiative represents a significant step towards developing the country’s creative industry, fostering local talent, and positioning Botswana as a global player in the entertainment and production sectors. Through strategic partnerships and investment in training and development programs, this project has the potential to catalyze economic growth and enhance the country’s cultural presence on the world stage.
Read the original article on Gazette News
