25 Feb 2026

Obakeng Keitemoge, born and raised in Gaborone, is a visual and fine artist whose work is deeply rooted in Botswana and African traditions.

His art celebrates the continent’s rich heritage, often portraying tribal life, fashion, cuisine, architecture and pottery.

“Mostly, I like to draw cultural artwork depicting African tribes, their way of life, fashion, culinary traditions, and architecture. Our culture is so rich, and I want to capture it,” Keitemoge explains.

His passion for art began in Standard 5 during a CAPA lesson and never faded. He carried it through junior and senior secondary school days, eventually earning an A* in Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education.

In 2016, he turned his passion into a full-time career, working across drawing, painting, and fabric design.

Beyond his own practice, Keitemoge is committed to teaching, he mentors young artists, unemployed individuals, and vulnerable communities, equipping them with painting and drawing skills to help them create opportunities for self-employment.

“I share my skills because I know art can change lives, it worked for me, and I want others to benefit too,” he says.

Keitemoge envisions art becoming a valuable investment in Botswana, comparable to real estate. He believes art not only appreciates in value but also has the potential to contribute to the nation’s GDP and diversify the economy.

His dream is for Batswana to invest in art as a way of telling their own stories and showcasing their identity to the world. With the internet connecting global markets, Keitemoge aims to reach audiences far beyond Botswana.

“The whole world is connected; we can sell to people in Finland, Germany, the United States. I want to use the internet to reach everywhere,” he notes.

Despite challenges such as limited understanding of art’s economic potential, he remains committed to educating others.

In 2025, he marked a milestone year, participating in a programme sponsored by the National Art Council of Botswana, where he and fellow artists taught art skills to school dropouts and vulnerable groups, empowering them to earn through creativity.

His advice to fellow artists is to remain original, patient, and persistent;

“Never tire of telling and sharing stories in the global village,” he says, encouraging artists to attract international enthusiasts.

He also wishes for the Ministry of Sports and Arts to invest in artists by recognising art’s role in storytelling, economic diversification, and national development.

At 32, Keitemoge continues to build momentum, driven by a vision of art as both cultural heritage and economic opportunity. His journey, a reflection of personal achievement and a mission to elevate Botswana’s art onto the global stage. BOPA