10 Dec 2023

In a concerted effort to enhance Botswana’s media contribution to the continental vision of Africa 2063, crucial insights have emerged from the two-day Kusi Ideas Festival.

In an interview, Information and Broadcasting deputy permanent secretary, Mr Oshinka Tsiang highlighted that the dynamic discussions and innovative ideas exchanged at the festival offer valuable takeaways for Botswana’s media landscape.

This, he notes, sets the stage for increased engagement and alignment with the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

However, upon examining Botswana’s current media landscape, Mr Tsiang points out a predominant focus on localised content, reflecting the society it serves. He notes a deficiency in addressing Agenda 2063 issues, emphasising that the media falls short in delving into the outlined aspirations and the topic of Pan-Africanism.

Mr Tsiang sees the Kusi Ideas Festival as a pivotal opportunity to address the gaps, providing a platform for discussions and actions that contribute significantly to the media’s role in Agenda 2063.

Encouraging ongoing dialogue, Mr Tsiang urges the media to maintain active engagement with the government, seeking more information on policy developments.

He emphasises the importance of constructive accountability, focusing on policy matters rather than concentrating solely on failures.
As the originator of the Kusi Ideas Festival, Nation Media Group’s (NMG) envisions the media playing a crucial role in shaping Africa’s future.

 

Mr Tsiang stresses the need for the media to reconsider its role, transcending the traditional information provider role and actively participating in shaping society’s future.

In the context of business in Africa, Mr Tsiang calls for a paradigm shift in media content generation.

He emphasises the creation of content that empowers businesses to influence societal transformation, fostering a Pan-African perspective beyond politics as a catalyst for achieving the 2063 agenda.

Highlighting the extensive preparations leading up to Botswana hosting the festival, Mr Tsiang underscores collective effort, reflecting a heightened awareness and commitment to the concept of an integrated Africa, aligning closely with the Agenda 2063.

This commitment, he states, signifies a serious dedication to the cause of creating opportunities and taking decisive actions.

Mr Tsiang underscores the success of the Kusi Ideas Festival by the broad representation it attracts, with participation from heads of state, prime ministers, youth leaders, private sector representatives, sponsors, and participants from the grassroots and the diaspora, all contributing to the festival’s richness and impact.

Drawing connections between the NMG Kusi Festival’s initiatives and Botswana’s context, Mr Tsiang highlights key areas such as agriculture and food self-sufficiency, intellectual property in agribusiness, development of the beef industry, free trade and economic opportunities, and regional collaboration and free movement.

These, he notes, resonate with Botswana’s priorities and goals in the context of Africa 2063. ENDS