French Embassy in Botswana

11/06/2026

Empowering Women Against GBV in Botswana: The Survivor's Economic Empowerment Programme

Since 2024, France has actively supported Botswana in its fight against GBV. After two years of dedication, learning, and growth, the Survivors Economic Empowerment (SEE!) Initiative, supported by the French Embassy and implemented by Botswana Council of NGOs has made a significant impact in Botswana.

Achievements over the past two years :

In Maun (with W.A.R (Botswana)

🏫 More than 4,000 teenagers received comprehensive sexual health education.

🎭 Hundreds of parents participated in role-play sessions on how to speak about sexual health issues to their children.

💡 More than 100 teen mothers gained access to counselling and economic empowerment.

In Ghanzi (with Botswana Gender Based Violence Prevention & Support Centre)

Botswana Gender-Based Violence Council) :

🌱 25 women were trained in sustainable vegetable gardening and financial literacy, while receiving psychosocial support. They were able to generate a profit from the garden and create income for themselves.

In Gaborone with Research Xcellas :

🔗 10 ex-prisoners, victims of GBV, received psychosocial support and financial training.

📊 A randomized control study was implemented to measure the impact of these measures.

While the SEE! programme may be concluding, France remains committed to supporting Botswana in the fight against gender-based violence and the empowerment of women and girls. The legacy of this initiative will live on, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration for a brighter, safer future.

Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs BW CEDA Sandfire Resources BWgovernment BW Presidency UNDP Botswana French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Valerie Baraban Ministère chargé de l'Égalité entre les femmes et les hommes et de la Lutte contre les discriminations

11/06/2026

11/06/2026

10/06/2026

🎬 CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: BOTSWANA FILMMAKERS! 🇧🇼
The Alliance Française de Gaborone is looking for 3 local short films to screen for the next European Film Festival.
Who: Motswana directors.
Categories: Very Short (< 6 min) & Short (6-20 min).
Focus: Creativity, cinematography, and originality.
🔴 Deadline: 20 June 2026
👉 Check eligibility: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1584magYmUmb12VVprk_au6-fTDRBvJqZ/view?usp=drivesdk
👉 Apply now: https://forms.gle/Z3QV8dymFNFWMGr78
Show us your vision! 🎥✨

05/06/2026

04/06/2026

🚀 Calling all Botswana-based tech startups!

Do you have an innovative solution with the potential to make a real impact? Applications are now open for the Fuzé Botswana Challenge, organised by Digital Africa in partnership with the Africa Europe Digital Innovation Bridge (AEDIB).

Selected startups will have the opportunity to pitch their projects in Gaborone on 12 June 2026, connect with key actors of the African and European innovation ecosystems, and compete for potential investment opportunities.

📍 Gaborone, Botswana
📅 Pitching Day: 12 June 2026

We encourage Botswana’s entrepreneurs, innovators and startup founders to apply and showcase their ideas.

🔗 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/dUgtxivy

Digital Africa Valerie Baraban

04/06/2026

03/06/2026

🇫🇷🇧🇼 Création Africa Botswana - Season 2 officially launched!

The Embassy of France to Botswana was delighted to participate in the launch of Création Africa Botswana - Season 2 at the Alliance Française de Gaborone.

Following the success of the first season dedicated to fashion design, this new edition turns its focus to jewellery craftsmanship and reflects a shared ambition to strengthen Botswana's creative and diamond industries through skills development and innovation.

At the heart of this initiative is the commitment of Lucara Botswana, represented by Naseem Lahri, Managing Director of Lucara Botswana, whose support as strategic sponsor helps create a unique bridge between education, craftsmanship and industry. Together with Botswana's Oodi College of Applied Arts and Technology, France's Haute École de Joaillerie, and KGK Diamonds Botswana, represented by Siddharth Gothi, France aims to develop local talent across the entire jewellery value chain: from training and technical expertise to design, production and professional opportunities.

The Alliance Française de Gaborone, the programme's local operator, plays a central role in coordinating the initiative and bringing together educational institutions, industry partners and emerging creatives.

A key moment of the launch was the signing of the partnership agreement by Naseem Lahri, H.E. Valérie Baraban, Ambassador of France to Botswana, and Bokani Machinya, President of the Board of the Alliance Française de Gaborone, marking a new milestone in cooperation between Botswana's diamond sector and French expertise in jewellery education.

The event also brought together Anne-Charlotte Hornet, Director of the Alliance Française de Gaborone, industry partners, staff from Oodi College and alumni of Création Africa Season 1.

By connecting world-class jewellery training with Botswana's renowned diamond industry, Création Africa Botswana creates new opportunities for young creatives while strengthening ties between France and Botswana.

✨💎 We look forward to seeing the next generation of Botswana's jewellery designers emerge from this exciting programme.

Creation Botswana Lucara Botswana Alliance Française de Gaborone Ministry of Higher Education, Botswana Oodi College of Applied Arts and Technology Haute Ecole de Joaillerie Valerie Baraban

03/06/2026