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Dr Lame Pusetso earns prestigious Asian Prize franchise rights

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DR LAME PUSETSO : A new chapter for African literature with The Asian Prizes

Dr-Lame-local-threads Dr Lame Pusetso earns prestigious Asian Prize franchise rights

Dr. Lame Pusetso, the visionary author and force behind Poeticblood Publishers, is once again breaking new ground in the literary world. Her unwavering resilience and hard work are truly bearing fruit, as her company has secured the exclusive rights to administer The Asian Prizes Regional Awards for Africa. This landmark achievement is set to change the game for writers across the continent.

Through a prestigious collaboration with The Asian Group of Literature and Trogon Global, Poeticblood Publishers now holds the keys to the kingdom for promoting, organizing, and presenting these esteemed literary accolades across all 54 African nations.

This exclusive franchise, effective for five years, means that African writers, poets, and artists will no longer have to go the extra mile to gain international recognition. A globally celebrated platform for excellence in literature and the arts is now right on their doorstep.

 

The genesis of this powerful partnership emerged after Dr. Pusetso was appointed a 2025 Jury Member for The Asian Prize. This opened the door to a shared vision: acknowledging the immense and diverse literary talent teeming across Africa.

Poeticblood Publishers’ proven track record, particularly with the successful Botswana Literature Awards and the launch of 50 local authors, made them the perfect fit. The Asian Group of Literature recognized a kindred spirit in their commitment to elevating African literature on a global stage, and this alignment of values helped pave the way for the franchise.

For emerging writers in Botswana and throughout Africa, this franchise is nothing short of a game-changer. It offers a prestigious springboard to showcase their work to a broader audience, opening doors not only to recognition but also to crucial networking and publication opportunities.

It’s a chance to rub shoulders with other literary professionals and potentially seal publishing deals that might otherwise have been out of reach. This initiative provides a much-needed platform for African voices to rise above the noise and make their mark internationally.

To ensure these awards resonate deeply and reach far and wide, Poeticblood Publishers plans to hit the ground running by engaging closely with local literary communities and cultural organizations across the continent.

This means tailoring the awards to the diverse cultural landscapes of Africa, collaborating with regional literary festivals, and leveraging social media campaigns in multiple languages. These efforts will ensure the awards are accessible and inclusive, truly reflecting the rich tapestry of Botswana and African culture.

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Spotlight on Création Botswana: A Designer’s Story

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Spotlight on Création Botswana: A Designer’s Story

 

From Maun to the world stage, discover how one designer is transforming Botswana’s fashion landscape…

This month, Local Threads Magazine features Neo Karolo Maretlwaneng, a fashion designer from Maun, Disaneng. Neo is one of 28 designers taking part in the Création Botswana program. This program aims to help fashion businesses grow and improve the local fashion industry through global partnerships, training, and market development.

The Création Botswana program was created by the French Embassy and Alliance Française. It is part of a larger plan by France and Botswana to invest in creative industries to support sustainable development and economic growth. We spoke with Neo, the creator of her brand Mood Craft Design, to learn about her journey, how this program has helped her, and her future goals. Her brand uses her family’s history and stories, inspired by her grandmother’s handcraft, in its designs.

Mood Craft’s Heart: A Story from Family

Q: Briefly describe your brand’s aesthetic and what inspires your designs.
Neo: ” Mood Craft is a heartfelt brand rooted in heritage and storytelling. Our aesthetic blends nostalgic handcraft with contemporary African identity. Inspired by my grandmother’s tailoring and her handmade dolls, I channel that same nurturing energy into every design. Our work is minimalist yet emotive, with textures and textiles that tell stories of culture, resilience, and warmth.”

IMG_3868 Spotlight on Création Botswana: A Designer's Story

Q: What motivated you to pursue fashion design in Botswana?
Neo: “Growing up watching my grandmother sew by hand, I developed an early fascination with textiles and garment-making. After studying Textile Design, I returned home and struggled to find opportunities in the fashion space. But my sister’s need for a baby weight bag led to unexpected demand, pushing me to start creating and selling. That moment of necessity turned into purpose, and I saw the gap I could fill with authentic, homegrown designs.”

Création Botswana: Helping Dreams Grow

Q: What specific aspects of the Création Botswana program have been most impactful for you as a designer?
Neo: ” The mentorship and professional development sessions stood out. The program provided access to industry experts, creative direction, and business tools I did not have before. It gave structure to my creativity and expanded my vision beyond just making garments—into building a brand with impact.”

WhatsApp-Image-2025-06-25-at-18.56.11-1 Spotlight on Création Botswana: A Designer's Story
IMG_3870 Spotlight on Création Botswana: A Designer's Story
WhatsApp-Image-2025-06-25-at-18.56.11 Spotlight on Création Botswana: A Designer's Story

Q: How has the program helped you overcome challenges or seize new opportunities within the local fashion industry?
Neo: “Création Botswana helped validate my work and gave me a platform to showcase my designs beyond my immediate circle. It boosted my confidence, helped me refine my craft, and connected me with networks that continue to support my growth. Opportunities for collaboration and visibility grew significantly through the program.”

 

The Future: Weaving New Paths
Q: What are your aspirations for your brand’s future, and how do you see Création Botswana contributing to those goals?

Neo: ” I envision Mood Craft evolving into a lifestyle brand that offers not just fashion, but also storytelling through textile art, home accessories, and baby essentials. I want to empower other young women through employment and skill-sharing. Création Botswana continues to play a part by exposing me to opportunities, potential investors, and broader audiences.”

Q: What message would you share with other aspiring designers in Botswana about the importance of programs like this?
Neo: ” Programs like Création Botswana are more than just exposure—they are incubators of dreams. They help transform raw passion into sustainable business. If you’re a designer with a story to tell, such platforms will give you the tools, community, and confidence to take that story to the world.”

The journey of Neo Karolo Maretlwaneng and Mood Craft shows the power of passion, the strength of local talent, and how important support programs like Création Botswana are. They help creative dreams come true. As Mood Craft continues to grow, it is not just making beautiful fabrics but also inspiring the next generation of designers in Botswana.

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Arts scene gets a stylish makeover with a fresh beat

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National Arts

Arts scene gets a stylish makeover with a fresh beat

IMG_6007 Arts scene gets a stylish makeover with a fresh beat

Arts scene gets a stylish makeover with a fresh beat

Creatives are getting ready to immerse themselves in a vibrant tapestry of creativity. The National Arts Council Botswana (NACB) has officially announced the much-anticipated kick-off of the 2025 National Arts Festival, slated to ignite the nation on July 5th.

This year, an adored tradition is undergoing an exciting evolution, shifting from its historical full-competition format to an innovative, dynamic hybrid model. It’s time to celebrate Botswana’s rich artistic soul with a fresh, inclusive twist.

This reimagined festival isn’t just about showcasing established talent; it’s about nurturing the very roots of creativity. Significant efforts have been made to open the doors wider, ensuring that ordinary Batswana and out-of-school youth are not just spectators, but active participants.

New creative and cultural sector award levels have been introduced, allowing these budding artists to compete amongst themselves, fostering a sense of community and friendly rivalry.

This developmental stage is truly pivotal. One would think of it as a grassroots incubator, a vibrant platform dedicated to talent identification, essential capacity building, and powerful community engagement. It’s here that the foundational layers are laid, paving the way for broader participation in both national and international cultural initiatives. It’s about empowering the next generation of storytellers, performers, and visual artists.

 

IMG_6011-1024x683-520x412 Arts scene gets a stylish makeover with a fresh beat

The journey for these aspiring talents will be a thrilling one. According to a statement from NACB, the winners of these initial ward competitions will advance to the highly anticipated constituency competitions. These inter-ward showdowns promise to be electric, featuring highly competitive teams battling it out for regional glory.

The excitement then escalates to the regional stage, which will culminate in four spectacular festivals strategically located across Botswana: Ngamiland-Chobe, Western, Southern, and Central regions.

These regional showcases will bring together the top winners from various constituencies, serving as a magnificent celebration of Botswana’s rich artistic and cultural talent. They offer a vibrant platform to recognize excellence, foster unity, and beautifully highlight the immense diversity and boundless creativity found across the remarkable nation.

The inclusion of these grassroots ward-level competitions, coupled with the grand celebration of top talent through these national festivals, marks a significant stride forward in nurturing Botswana’s burgeoning creative and cultural industries. These initiatives are designed to genuinely empower local communities and youth, unequivocally reaffirming the nation’s deep commitment to preserving and passionately promoting its invaluable cultural heritage.

As Botswana continues to strategically invest in its dynamic creative economy, platforms like the National Arts Festival will play an absolutely vital role. They are essential for unearthing raw talent, igniting national pride, and confidently positioning  the country on the global cultural map.

IMG_6012-1024x683-300x206 Arts scene gets a stylish makeover with a fresh beat
IMG_6010-1024x683-300x206 Arts scene gets a stylish makeover with a fresh beat
IMG_6013-1024x683-300x206 Arts scene gets a stylish makeover with a fresh beat
IMG_6008-1024x683-300x206 Arts scene gets a stylish makeover with a fresh beat
Émilie Gambade And Emmanuelle Courréges

BEYOND DESIGN: How Création Botswana is Empowering a New Generation of Fashion Entrepreneurs.

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From Right to Left; June Masterclass led by Émilie Gambade (Head of Life and Culture at Daily Maverick and former Editor-in-Chief of ELLE South Africa) and Emmanuelle Courrèges (French journalist and founder of LAGO54.

From Right to Left; June Masterclass led by Émilie Gambade (Head of Life and Culture at Daily Maverick and former Editor-in-Chief of ELLE South Africa) and Emmanuelle Courrèges (French journalist and founder of LAGO54.

6H4A3598-scaled BEYOND DESIGN: How Création Botswana is Empowering a New Generation of Fashion Entrepreneurs.
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6H4A3598-scaled BEYOND DESIGN: How Création Botswana is Empowering a New Generation of Fashion Entrepreneurs.
6H4A3679-scaled BEYOND DESIGN: How Création Botswana is Empowering a New Generation of Fashion Entrepreneurs.
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BEYOND DESIGN.

CRÉATION BOTSWANA IS EMPOWERING A NEW GENERATION OF FASHION ENTREPRENEURS

In the heart of Southern Africa, a Fashion renaissance is quietly taking root…

BEYOND DESIGN.

CRÉATION BOTSWANA IS EMPOWERING A NEW GENERATION OF FASHION ENTREPRENEURS

In the heart of Southern Africa, a Fashion renaissance is quietly taking root…

Émilie Gambade

Head of Life and Culture at Daily Maverick and former Editor-in-Chief of ELLE South Africa

6H4A3685-scaled BEYOND DESIGN: How Création Botswana is Empowering a New Generation of Fashion Entrepreneurs.

Emmanuelle Courrèges

French journalist and founder of LAGO54

6H4A3679-scaled BEYOND DESIGN: How Création Botswana is Empowering a New Generation of Fashion Entrepreneurs.

In the heart of Southern Africa, a fashion renaissance is quietly taking root. It’s not driven by fleeting trends, but by a deep, deliberate effort to transform Botswana’s creative industry from the inside out. This profound shift is being led by Création Botswana, a dynamic initiative that, over the past year, has sewn new possibilities into the fabric of the nation’s fashion scene.

Born from a collaboration between the French Embassy in Botswana, the National Arts Council of Botswana, and Alliance Française de Gaborone, Création Botswana is part of the wider Création Africa program. The project was launched with a bold mission: to leverage creativity as a tool for sustainable development and economic diversification.

Since its launch in September of last year, the program has worked closely with 28 fashion designers. It offers not just training, but a visionary approach, helping them see their work not merely as design but as viable enterprise. From emerging talents to seasoned fashion entrepreneurs, each participant has gained access to monthly workshops, practical masterclasses, mentorship, and, crucially, opportunities for global exposure.

6H4A3537-scaled BEYOND DESIGN: How Création Botswana is Empowering a New Generation of Fashion Entrepreneurs.
6H4A3537-scaled BEYOND DESIGN: How Création Botswana is Empowering a New Generation of Fashion Entrepreneurs.
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6H4A3674-scaled BEYOND DESIGN: How Création Botswana is Empowering a New Generation of Fashion Entrepreneurs.
6H4A3633-scaled BEYOND DESIGN: How Création Botswana is Empowering a New Generation of Fashion Entrepreneurs.
6H4A3633-scaled BEYOND DESIGN: How Création Botswana is Empowering a New Generation of Fashion Entrepreneurs.
6H4A3654-2-scaled BEYOND DESIGN: How Création Botswana is Empowering a New Generation of Fashion Entrepreneurs.
6H4A3654-2-scaled BEYOND DESIGN: How Création Botswana is Empowering a New Generation of Fashion Entrepreneurs.

This past week, the initiative reached a significant milestone with a public masterclass titled “Lessons from the Field: From Story to Strategy.” Led by Émilie Gambade—Head of Life and Culture at Daily Maverick and former Editor-in-Chief of ELLE South Africa—alongside Emmanuelle Courrèges, a French journalist and founder of LAGO54, the session explored the power of narrative in brand building. It wasn’t just about storytelling for its own sake; it was about equipping designers with the tools to define their voice, position their brand, and confidently enter global markets.

What makes Création Botswana unique is its holistic approach to the fashion ecosystem. Designers weren’t simply trained in technical design; they were immersed in business strategy, branding, marketing, and sustainability. Each workshop was carefully curated to reflect the realities of the fashion business, both locally and globally.

Participants represented diverse stages in their careers. Some were just starting out, creating their first collections and dreaming of launching their own labels. Others had established brands, with loyal customer bases and clear creative identities. What united them was a shared commitment to growth and a belief in the potential of Botswana’s fashion industry to shine internationally.

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