28 Aug 2025

The awarding of five non-commercial radio stations licences seek to enhance diversity and access to information.

Speaking at the licensing ceremony in Gaborone on Wednesday, Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) chief executive officer, Mr Martin Mokgware said the awarded organisations reflected a wide spectrum of values and interests, from faith-based initiatives and community empowerment to conservation and gender equality advocacy.

“Non-commercial radio is not driven by profit, but by a commitment to public service. These stations are crucial in giving a voice to marginalised communities, promoting social cohesion and tackling developmental challenges,” Mr Mokgware said. 

The five new stations include; The Eternal Foundation, licensed under the ‘Whole Community’ category, the station will broadcast in Francistown and Maun, Apostolic Faith Mission of Botswana, granted an ‘Area of Interest’ license, with broadcasts covering Gaborone, Palapye and Francistown, Men and Boys for Gender Equality, also a ‘Whole Community” licensee, the station will serve Ghanzi region. 

Okavango Human Wildlife Foundation, licensed under the ‘Geographically Defined’ category, the station will cover Maun, Kasane and Shakawe while the Mega Church International, issued an ‘Area of Interest’ license, broadcasting in Gaborone and Mmatseta

He further said the five licencees had had been give upto 12 months from the date of licencing to commence broadcasting services.

He underscored the responsibilities that came with the licenses, urging stations to operate with professionalism, integrity and a deep commitment to community service.

“BOCRA will continue to walk this journey with you, providing regulatory support and guidance as you contribute positively to Botswana’s media landscape,” he said.

Giving a background on the licensing process, Mr Mokgware said the journey began in December when BOCRA issued a call for expressions of interest.

He said the initiative was to gauge the interest and readiness of various stakeholders to provide non-commercial broadcasting services, adding that BOCRA received 82 submissions from a diverse range of entities, including NGOs, academic and religious institutions as well as associations.

Following a formal call for applications in May, 20 full applications were submitted, out of which the five successful licensees were selected.

He assured that the remaining applicants would be considered and supported to reach the licensing stage.

He encouraged those who were not selected to continue strengthening their financial and technical capacities in anticipation of future opportunities.

Speaking on behalf of the newly licensed entities, Okavango Human Wildlife Foundation’s Mr Kenosi Kamina expressed gratitude to BOCRA for the opportunity.

“We are honoured and ready to serve our respective communities with vision, dedication, and a commitment to values,” he said.

He said the addition of five non-commercial radio stations represented a key effort in ensuring inclusive communication, cultural preservation and equitable access to information for all citizens.  ENDS