The Handicraft Innovation and Design project, a key component of the “Support to Job Creation and the Investment Climate (JCIC)”, is an initiative funded by European Union, that is coordinated by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) and the Ministry of Communication, Knowledge and Technology (MCKT). The JCIC is executed by Ginger-SOFRECO. The project celebrated on the 3rd of May 2024, a significant milestone with a vibrant business exhibition at Sedia Riverside Hotel in Maun. This event was organised jointly with Impact Fund an implementing partner of the project. Representatives from MTI, the Department of Tourism, BTO and HATAB attended the exhibition.
The event attracted forty stakeholders from the tourism sector and potential clients, showcasing the exceptional skills and innovative handicraft products crafted by twenty artisans from Gumare, the Etshas, and D’Kar.
Sid Boubekeur, Team Leader of JCIC, opened the event with the introduction of the Handicraft project’s intended transformative impact on the local economy. His presentation set a positive tone, highlighting the project’s commitment to empowering local artisans, sustainable development, and economic empowerment. “The aim of the JCIC handicraft innovative project, is to facilitate the penetration of artisanal products into the market and generate income for the rural population. While the road taken to achieve this may take long, it is a journey worth embarking on that we must start. This day can be seen as the beginning of a process, providing much needed skills to women artisans in the field, developing their capacity for understanding the intricacies of branding, marketing, packaging, pricing to mention some key actions required to take their products to market”, said
Sid Boubekeur. Over five weeks, artisans from Gumare, the Etshas, and D’Kar were trained on incorporating contemporary designs into their crafts, aiming to attract a broader market within the tourism value chain. This training also encouraged the use of sustainable materials such as plastic and glass, led by industry experts Jane Taylor of Collaborative Craft Projects and internationally renowned trend analyst Emmanuel Savignat.
The quality and innovation of the products displayed were particularly noted at the exhibition. Kgabiso, an independent buyer of curios and interior design items for lodges and camps, expressed her enthusiasm: “I was very impressed with the quality and innovation of the products that the artisans had created.” Her comments reflected the broad approval of the quality and creativity evident in the artisans’ work.
Christinah Leshego from Women in Business Botswana (WIBA) praised the initiative for its role in uplifting women artisans. “I am impressed by the JCIC initiative and the partnership with Impact Fund, which have significantly improved the livelihoods of artisan women,” she remarked. This sentiment was echoed by Gosa Lekoko, Crafthood and Economic Empowerment Officer with Impact Fund, who applauded the women artisans for their dedication and eagerness to embrace new techniques throughout the training process.
The event provided a platform for key stakeholders to demonstrate their support for Botswana’s handicraft sector and the collective efforts underway to enhance the visibility and marketability of Botswana’s artisans. The event culminated with a showcase and tour of the stalls, offering attendees the opportunity to directly engage with the artisans, place orders, and purchase the crafts. This interaction not only highlighted the enhanced skills of the artisans but also opened doors for potential market opportunities and business networking.