The Ministry of Sport and Arts provides leadership, policy development, strategic planning, and governance in the development of sports and arts in Botswana.
The Ministry is responsible for:
1. Policy Development, Implementation, and Monitoring
✓ Sports – Establishing frameworks for sports development, governance, and athlete support.
✓ Arts – Promoting artistic expression, industry growth, and intellectual property protection.
2. Cinematography – Overseeing the film and television industry, including regulation and funding.
3. National Celebrations – Organizing cultural and national events.
4. Sports and Recreation – Supporting grassroots and professional sports initiatives.
5. Sports Governance and Coordination – Ensuring compliance with sports policies and regulations.
6. Development Programmes – Implementing initiatives to promote sports and arts for economic and social growth.
- Sport and Recreation
- Arts and Culture
UNITS UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF ARTS AND CULTURE
a. Performing Arts and National Celebrations Unit
• Supports artists' welfare, rights, and professional development.
• Oversees training programmes and capacity-building initiatives.
• Manages copyright and intellectual property rights related to performing arts.
• Organizes major national events and celebrations.
b. Visual Arts Unit
• Manages arts education, exhibitions, and fashion shows.
• Supports artist residencies, research, and documentation of artworks.
• Collects and preserves artistic products for national heritage
c. Film Office
• Develops and commercializes Botswana’s film and television industry.
• Supports intellectual property rights protection and commercialization.
• Acquires content from 100% citizen-owned companies for the Now! Channel Online Platform (IPTV).
• Organises and hosts the Botswana International Film Festival (BIFF) in collaboration with the film industry.
d. Culture Unit
• Oversees the preservation and promotion of Botswana’s diverse cultural practices.
• Facilitates cultural research, documentation, and promotion at the community level.
Statutory authorities and other bodies supervised by the Ministry
i) Botswana National Sports Commission
✓ Promotes development of sport within Botswana and participation in sport outside Botswana.
✓ 41 Affiliates/National Associations
✓ Offices in Gaborone HQ, Lobatse, Molepolole, Serowe, Francistown and Maun. (Stadias)(
ii) Botswana National Olympic Committee
✓ It facilitates Botswana’s preparation and participation in major games, activities, and elite sport.
✓ 27 Full Affiliates /National Associations and 8 Associate Members
✓ Offices in Gaborone only at Main Mall(iii) Films Control Censor Board
iii) Films Control Censor Board
✓ Ensures appropriate classification and regulation of films.
