Piracy and unregulated artificial intelligence could threaten Botswana’s cultural identity and economic future if stronger protections for the creative industry are not put in place, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Broadcasting and Information Services Tshireletso Motlogelwa has warned.
Speaking during a media workshop on piracy and AI in the digital ecosystem in Gaborone, Motlogelwa said Botswana and Africa must stop treating creativity as a secondary sector and instead recognize it as a major driver of economic growth, employment and innovation. Film, music, storytelling and other cultural industries are becoming valuable economic assets globally, he said, and Botswana must position itself to benefit while protecting local creators from exploitation.
Motlogelwa warned that piracy continues to weaken the creative economy by denying artists, producers and investors the financial returns needed to sustain the industry. “When creative works are illegally distributed, producers lose revenue, investors withdraw support and opportunities for young creatives become limited,” he said. He stressed that protecting intellectual property was critical because it allowed creatives to earn from their work, reinvest in productions and develop future talent.
He also emphasized that African stories, languages and cultural expression must remain in African hands, saying locally produced content reflects authentic experiences and identity. Motlogelwa described the growing influence of artificial intelligence as both an opportunity and a risk for African creatives. AI could support innovation and help preserve African languages, but African music, voices, art and cultural material also risked being used by global AI systems without permission or compensation. He called for stronger copyright protections, policy reforms and African-led technological solutions to safeguard creative ownership and ensure local industries benefit from technological advancements.
Motlogelwa said Botswana’s creative sector had significant potential to contribute to economic diversification beyond mining — creating jobs, supporting tourism and opening opportunities for young people.
MultiChoice Botswana CEO Stephanie Pillay said protecting Botswana’s and Africa’s creative industries was a shared responsibility requiring collaboration among stakeholders. She praised partnerships with organizations including the Companies and Intellectual Property Authority, the Copyright Society of Botswana and the University of Botswana in addressing piracy challenges and promoting awareness within the creative sector.
Media practitioners attending the workshop were also encouraged to report accurately and responsibly on piracy and artificial intelligence issues, given that public understanding is shaped by how these stories are covered.
