Botswana’s Ora Loapi Elevates Local Art at 2025 FNB Art Joburg

Botswana’s Ora Loapi Elevates Local Art at 2025 FNB Art JJoburg. Botswana’s creative economy took centre stage at the 2025 FNB Art Joburg, where Ora Loapi, a Gaborone-based enterprise, showcased the richness of the nation’s visual arts to continental and global audiences.

The annual fair, now in its 17th year, is recognised as one of Africa’s leading platforms for contemporary art. With a consistent focus on African and diasporic practitioners, it has become a launchpad for new markets and opportunities. For the fifth consecutive year, Ora Loapi represented Botswana, cementing its role as a cultural and commercial ambassador for the country.

Founding Director Lerato Motshwarakgole highlighted that the fair provides unmatched access to collectors and investors eager to engage with African creativity. “The importance of the visual language and expression from Botswana has proven its marketability,” she said, adding that Ora Loapi’s track record of showcasing local artists has opened doors for initiatives like The Botswana Pavilion and allowed the enterprise to expand its catalogue to include regional talent.

For entrepreneurs and first-time buyers, Motshwarakgole offered clear advice: be confident, do your research, and take your time. She stressed that art is more than a purchase — it’s an investment with long-term cultural and financial value.

Ora Loapi’s consistent presence at FNB Art Joburg reflects the growing recognition of Botswana’s creative sector as a driver of economic opportunity. Beyond the canvas, the fair provides a platform for building networks, nurturing talent, and positioning Botswana within a competitive global art market.

As the creative economy continues to expand, Ora Loapi’s success story illustrates how cultural enterprises can merge artistry with entrepreneurship to create lasting impact.