The fashion industry is increasingly recognised as a significant avenue for job creation and economic participation for young people in Botswana. A recent event highlighting this potential involved Lesego Chombo, the current Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, who participated as a panelist, underscoring her direct support for the sector’s development.
The event in question was a program by the French Embassy and Création Botswana, designed to provide opportunities for emerging talent. During this program, ten top designers presented their businesses, competing for financial support. Two winners were awarded P50,000 each, with a runner-up receiving P25,000. Minister Chombo’s presence as a panellist indicates a direct engagement with initiatives that foster business growth and provide financial incentives for young creatives in the fashion domain.
Création Botswana has actively supported 28 young Batswana fashion designers, including 27 women, through a program focused on business scaling via tailored coaching and mentoring. This initiative connects these local designers with established fashion brands and designers from South Africa and France. This linkage aims to assist Batswana designers in securing a stronger position within the industry.
Fashion is a youth-centric business, driven by new trends and creative expression, offering a viable pathway for young entrepreneurs. The nature of the industry also presents international potential for designers from Botswana, given appropriate support structures. The involvement of international partners like the French Embassy, as highlighted by the program, further points to the sector’s capacity for global reach.
The continued support for young designers, aligning with government objectives in the creative sector, is aimed at building sustainable enterprises. This approach recognizes fashion not just as an art form, but as a practical source of employment and economic contribution for the youth of Botswana.
