Creators Assembly launches to empower creative economy
Laone Choeunyane | Tuesday July 7, 2026 11:11
It will bring together Botswana's emerging creatives with some of Southern Africa's most respected industry leaders across music, film, dance, fashion, visual arts, beauty, and other creative disciplines.
The initiative is spearheaded by award-winning singer-songwriter Han-C, who said the idea was born from conversations within Botswana's music industry about the need for greater collaboration and sustainable growth.
'My colleagues and I in the music industry share a lot of ideas about what to do and what we can do to move forward,' said Han-C, reflecting on the origins of the Creators Assembly.
'Those conversations inspired the vision of creating a platform where creatives from different disciplines can come together, learn from one another, and build an industry that is stronger, more connected, and more sustainable.'
The summit is being presented in partnership with BBS Bank, whose support underscores the financial institution's commitment to nurturing Botswana's growing creative economy.
Speaking during the launch, Sipho Showa, Head of Business Relations and Marketing at BBS Bank, outlined the programme, describing it as a carefully curated experience that combines learning, collaboration and networking.
The summit will officially open on August 19 with a welcome cocktail dinner and networking session, providing attendees with an opportunity to engage with fellow creatives, business leaders, and industry professionals.
The second day, August 20, will feature four interactive workshops led by experienced industry experts, offering practical learning sessions focused on building sustainable creative careers and businesses.
Activities will conclude on August 21 with two additional workshops, collaborative project sessions, creative showcases, and the Creators Night Market, where participants will have the opportunity to exhibit and market their work while connecting with potential collaborators and clients.
According to Showa, the programme is expected to attract an impressive lineup of renowned creatives, successful entrepreneurs, and industry experts from Botswana and across Southern Africa.
Speaker announcements will be made progressively as participation is formally confirmed.
Beyond artistic development, the summit seeks to equip participants with practical business knowledge, financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and meaningful networking opportunities that can help transform creative talent into sustainable enterprises.
'This is more than just a conference,' organisers said. 'It is a platform designed to empower creatives with the tools, knowledge, and relationships they need to thrive in today's creative economy.'
Attendance at the inaugural Creators Assembly will be exclusive to BBS Bank customers.
To qualify for a summit ticket, interested participants must open any BBS Bank current or savings account and maintain it in active status by using BBS Bank services, including the bank's Nomad digital banking platform.
Eligible account holders will then receive access to register for the event, subject to the summit's terms and conditions.
Ahead of the main event, BBS Bank and Mantswitswidi will embark on a nationwide activation tour from July 2 to July 10, engaging communities across Botswana and introducing creatives to the opportunities available through the Creators Assembly.
With Botswana's creative industries increasingly recognised as a driver of economic diversification, innovation, and youth employment, organisers believe the inaugural Creators Assembly marks the beginning of a long-term movement to position creativity not only as cultural expression but as a powerful economic asset.
The summit aims to demonstrate that ideas, innovation, and collaboration are becoming some of the country's most valuable resources.