Botswana Explores E-Sports Integration to Empower Youth and Drive Digital Growth

Botswana Explores E-Sports Integration to Empower Youth and Drive Digital Growth. The Ministry of Sport and Arts is exploring the formal integration of E-Sports into Botswana’s national sports framework following a high-level meeting between Minister Jacob Kelebeng, the Gambling Authority, and representatives of the Tanzanian E-Sports Federation.

Held this week, the meeting included Gambling Authority CEO Peter Kesitilwe and Tanzanian delegates Peter Mshikilwa and Tony Okeyo, who engaged with local authorities on how Botswana can align with global E-Sports standards and unlock opportunities for youth.

Kesitilwe emphasized the role of E-Sports in promoting digitalisation, which remains a key national priority. He noted that ongoing engagement with international partners such as Tanzania had highlighted the sector’s growing influence and potential economic value.

Mshikilwa, President of the Tanzanian E-Sports Federation, described E-Sports as the digital equivalent of traditional sports, governed by the Global E-Sports Federation and the International E-Sports Federation. He revealed that E-Sports will debut as part of the Olympics in 2027, with Saudi Arabia hosting the first E-Sports Olympic tournament.

While high equipment costs remain a challenge, the adoption of mobile gaming has significantly improved accessibility for youth across Africa.

Minister Kelebeng welcomed the discussions, adding that E-Sports aligns with Botswana’s broader goal of building a creative digital economy. He confirmed the Ministry is developing a national content hub, and E-Sports will be included as part of this initiative.