CIPA leads collaborative drive to unlock creative economy
Laone Choeunyane | Friday July 17, 2026 10:41
Convened by the Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) through the Levy on Technical Devices Fund (LTDF), the high-level stakeholder engagement brought together representatives from government, regulators, financial institutions and the private sector to tackle some of the industry's most persistent challenges, from funding and skills development to intellectual property protection and market access. CIPA Strategy Manager, Lucky Matseka, said the country's greatest wealth extends far beyond its mineral resources.
'Botswana possesses not only natural resources beneath the ground, but also an abundance of intellectual and creative capital within its people,' he added when welcoming delegates. Matseka described creativity as more than an artistic pursuit, calling it a strategic asset capable of driving economic growth, innovation and national development when properly supported. 'Creativity is therefore not merely an artistic pursuit; it is a strategic asset for national development,' he asserted. Amongst the organisations represented were the National Arts Council of Botswana, CEDA, FNBB, MultiChoice Botswana, BOCRA, HRDC, the Gambling Authority, Orapa Development Company, the UNESCO National Commission and the Universal Access and Service Fund (UASF).
This representation reflected a growing recognition that the creative economy requires coordinated support across multiple sectors. Discussions focused on strengthening the creative ecosystem by improving access to finance, developing industry skills, expanding opportunities for local content production, protecting intellectual property and creating stronger pathways to commercial success. Copyright Administrator at CIPA, Keitseng Nkah Monyatsi, highlighted the significant economic contribution already being made by Botswana's copyright industries. When presenting findings on the Levy on Technical Devices Fund (LTDF), she revealed that copyright-based industries contribute 5.46 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product and account for 2.66 percent of national employment. 'Copyright industries compare well with other economic sectors,' she added. Her presentation also underscored the impact of the LTDF, which has invested more than P125 million in creative projects since its inception, including P76 million disbursed in 2023 alone.
While acknowledging the progress made, participants agreed that many creatives continue to face barriers to finance, business development and market access, often navigating a fragmented support system. Rather than simply identifying challenges, the engagement sought practical solutions. Stakeholders explored ways to better align their programmes, reduce duplication and build a more seamless support network that enables creatives to move from idea development and intellectual property protection to sustainable businesses and thriving careers. Closing the discussion, Matseka emphasised that no single institution could build Botswana's creative economy in isolation. 'No single institution can transform the creative economy on its own. Sustainable growth will require stronger partnerships, better coordination, shared knowledge, innovative financing models and a common vision among all stakeholders,' he said. The meeting ended with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration and position Botswana's creative industries not only as custodians of culture, but as a powerful driver of innovation, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth.