NACB and Fairground Holdings Explore Collaborative Opportunities to Boost Botswana’s Arts and MICE Sectors. On January 28, 2025, Ms. Otsetswe Koboyankwe, Acting CEO of the National Arts Council of Botswana (NACB), welcomed Ms. Gorata Gabaraane, CEO of Fairground Holdings, to the NACB Head Office in Gaborone. This meeting aimed to identify potential synergies to advance both the arts and culture, as well as the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sectors in Botswana.
Exploring Collaborative Avenues
The discussion centered on several key areas for potential collaboration:
- Cultural Tourism: Leveraging Botswana’s rich cultural heritage to attract tourists and create immersive cultural experiences.
- Creative Industry Development: Supporting local artists and cultural practitioners through funding, training, and exposure to broader markets.
- Integration of Arts and Culture in the MICE Sector: Enhancing conferences and exhibitions by incorporating cultural elements, thereby enriching the attendee experience and promoting local culture.
A Shared Vision for Growth
Both organizations recognize the immense potential in collaborating to promote Botswana’s cultural heritage and create dynamic platforms for cultural exchange. By working together, they aim to enhance local and international engagement, contributing to the growth and diversification of Botswana’s economy.
This partnership is expected to yield innovative initiatives that will not only elevate the arts and culture landscape but also strengthen the MICE sector, positioning Botswana as a leading destination for culturally enriched events and tourism.
Established under the National Arts Council of Botswana Act, the NACB is dedicated to supporting, developing, and promoting the country’s creative and cultural industries both locally and internationally. The council offers grants and other forms of assistance to artists and cultural organizations, aiming to foster a vibrant and sustainable arts sector.
Fairground Holdings, operating as the Botswana Conference & Exhibition Centre, is a prominent player in Botswana’s MICE industry. Established in 1986, the company provides versatile venues for conferences, fairs, and exhibitions, accommodating events of various sizes. Their services include equipment hire, event management, and catering, making them a preferred choice for major annual events both locally and internationally.
