Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) unveiled a pioneering pilot initiative to support the commercialisation of traditional cultural performance through the professional production of Mafitlhakgosi Traditional Dance Group’s first studio extended play (EP), produced in partnership with Eric Ramco Music & Film. BDC Managing Director, Mr. Oteng Keabetswe, explained that the project was part of BDC’s mission to invest in emerging industries with potential for scale, export value, and youth inclusion, providing a structured value chain for production, distribution, and rights management that could be replicated across the creative sector. The launch was supported by Minister of Trade & Entrepreneurship, Honourable Tiroeaone Ntsima, who highlighted the alignment of the initiative with national priorities for entrepreneurship, digital trade, and economic diversification, while First Mother Mma Boko encouraged young creatives to embrace their potential and take pride in their cultural heritage. Mafitlhakgosi Traditional Dance Group, known for preserving Setswana cultural identity through dance, music, theatre, and storytelling, has been widely recognised for its contributions to cultural education, youth engagement, and community outreach. This initiative demonstrated BDC’s commitment to building scalable creative industries, empowering local talent, and laying the groundwork for the upcoming Creative Economy Workshop to advance a Creative Economy Acceleration Framework.

As part of its Corporate Social Investment initiatives, Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) donated sanitary pads to Nthwalang Junior Secondary School, located approximately 15 kilometres from Lobatse. The handover was officiated by Mr. Tshepo Thuku, BDC Head of Group Accounting (Acting) and a CSR Committee member, who underscored the importance of empowering girls through education and ensuring equal opportunities for all learners. He noted that the donation formed part of BDC’s broader commitment to uplifting communities while promoting dignity and confidence among female students. School management expressed appreciation for the support, highlighting the positive impact it would have on the students’ academic journey, as BDC continued to demonstrate its dedication to inclusive development and lasting social impact across Botswana.

As part of its ongoing Corporate Social Investment initiatives, the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) donated a printer to Bobirwa Junior Secondary School on Tuesday, 15 April 2025, to support the school’s administrative and academic requirements. The contribution reflected BDC’s continued commitment to strengthening education and uplifting communities through practical and impactful support initiatives.

Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) reaffirmed its commitment to national resilience and recovery efforts through a contribution of BWP 300,000 to the Private Sector Disaster Relief Fund (PSDRF). This contribution formed part of the BWP 10 million raised by members of Business Botswana and was aimed at supporting urgent community needs in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Committee. With BWP 5.5 million already committed, the initiative focused on key interventions including infrastructure repairs, the restoration of uninsured businesses, and the revitalisation of economic activity in affected areas such as Gaborone, Francistown, and Gantsi. Through this support, BDC demonstrated its belief in the power of partnerships to rebuild communities and strengthen the nation.

Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) proudly sponsored the Kwenantle Farmers Children’s Agriculture and Skills Fair, which was held on 15 November 2024 at Kwenantle Farmers in the Tuli Block. The initiative aimed to stimulate children’s interest in agriculture by offering practical, hands-on learning experiences. Addressing the audience, BDC Investment Principal Mr. Sylvester Tshomane highlighted the importance of adopting an adaptive and forward-thinking mindset within the ever-evolving agricultural sector. He encouraged parents and educators to actively engage children in agricultural activities to nurture their potential as future leaders in the industry, noting that children’s curiosity and willingness to challenge conventional approaches create opportunities for innovation and transformation in agriculture.

Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) had the honour of participating in the graduation ceremonies of the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) and Ba Isago University. BDC Managing Director, Mr. Cross Kgosidiile, served as the Keynote Speaker at the BUAN graduation ceremony, where he emphasised the importance of education as a critical investment in building a strong foundation for a better future. The engagement reaffirmed BDC’s belief that education is a powerful catalyst for change and underscored its commitment to working collaboratively with stakeholders to promote academic excellence and support learners as they progress towards achieving greater milestones.

At a prize-giving ceremony held on 26 September 2024, Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) was represented by its Head of Information and Communication Technology, Mr. Kebareileng Lebalang, who delivered a motivational address to students of Gaborone Senior Secondary School. He encouraged learners to harness digital tools and platforms to create opportunities and actively shape their futures. Held under the theme “Developing Productive and Innovative Attitudes in the Digital World,” the event highlighted the transformative potential of technology in driving innovation and productivity. The ceremony recognised students who demonstrated exceptional commitment and academic excellence, with their achievements reflecting the significant opportunities that arise from hard work, innovation, and embracing the digital era.

Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) was honoured to participate in the celebration of academic excellence at Parwe Junior Secondary School in Mahalapye. The occasion recognised not only the achievements of the students, but also the dedication and commitment of educators, parents, and staff who played a vital role in supporting their success. Excellence in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities was acknowledged as a product of hard work, perseverance, and determination. Through this initiative, BDC celebrated students who overcame challenges and the mentors who guided them, while reaffirming its belief in the great promise held by these young achievers.

The learning journey continues as 52 students in MmaMoagi Settlement receive brand new school shoes from the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC), as part of the Corporation’s ’53 Hours of Community Service’ initiative. This initiative was formed to encourage each staff member of the Corporation to spend 53 hours of their personal time doing community work. BDC staff identified projects aligned with values of innovation, inclusivity, and relevance, focusing on aiding different communities.

Through its Corporate Social Responsibility mandate, BDC is dedicated to support education and lifelong learning, among other things. This initiative underscores BDC's dedication to impactful benevolent activities aligned with Botswana's developmental goals, aiming to create a knowledge-based economy for Botswana in effort to transform the country to a high-income economy.

The Corporation acknowledges that an important aspect of moving Botswana forward resides in citizen inclusion and empowerment and that there is no better way of investing in the future than investing in children. One such investment involved equipping the next generation with the tools that they need to thrive in and out of the classroom, hence the donation of proper school shoes for students in Mmamoagi Settlement in the Kweneng District. These school shoes will go beyond aesthetics; they will play a significant role in the students’ wellbeing and overall learning experiences especially during the winter season.

BDC, together with two of its investee companies—Delta Automotive Technologies and Lobatse Clay Works (LCW)—participated in the Pitikwe Junior Secondary School Sponsored Walk held in Lobatse. The event was led by the LCW Caretaker Chief Executive Officer and BDC Head of Corporate Affairs, Ms. Boitshwarelo Lebang-Kgetse, who served as the Chief Walker. Held under the theme “Renew & Thrive: Cultivating Wellness from Within,” the initiative underscored BDC’s commitment to promoting personal and community well-being as a foundation for sustainable development. Through this support, BDC reaffirmed its belief that a thriving economy begins with the wellness of its people, and that nurturing a healthy, educated, and innovative population is essential to building a knowledge-based economy. The initiative further aligned with Botswana’s vision of transforming into a high-income economy, reflecting BDC’s mission to drive sustainable economic growth and diversification by supporting institutions and enterprises that prioritise knowledge and innovation.