Africa-Press – Botswana. The Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) has officially awarded licenses to five non-commercial radio stations. This development is set to expand Botswana’s community broadcasting landscape and provide a platform for diverse voices across the country.
The newly licensed stations are Eternal Foundation, Apostolic Faith Mission of Botswana, Men and Boys for Gender Equality, Okavango Human Wildlife Foundation, and Mega Church International. Each of these organizations represents unique community interests, ranging from faith-based outreach to conservation advocacy and gender equality initiatives.
Speaking during a press conference, BOCRA chief executive Martin Mokgware confirmed that the five entities now have a 12-month window from the date of licensing to begin their broadcasting services. He noted that the move aligns with the authority’s mandate to increase access to information, support freedom of expression, and encourage participation in national development.
Non-commercial radio stations in Botswana play a key role in serving local communities. Unlike commercial broadcasters, these stations often focus on education, social issues, cultural preservation, and community development rather than profit. The introduction of these five outlets is expected to broaden public access to relevant content and strengthen community engagement.
For instance, the inclusion of Men and Boys for Gender Equality points to an increased focus on addressing social challenges such as gender-based violence and inequality. The Okavango Human Wildlife Foundation’s license highlights the importance of conservation and human-wildlife coexistence in a country where tourism and biodiversity are central to the economy. Faith-based stations such as Eternal Foundation, Apostolic Faith Mission of Botswana, and Mega Church International will provide religious programming that resonates with their congregations and broader audiences.
The announcement also reflects BOCRA’s commitment to nurturing a more inclusive media environment. By allowing varied community-based organizations to operate radio stations, the regulator is ensuring that different groups have platforms to share information, mobilize support, and contribute to Botswana’s democratic discourse.
If the licensed organizations meet the 12-month deadline, listeners across Botswana can expect new community radio services by next year. This expansion will add to the country’s growing media landscape and provide more opportunities for citizens to access information that directly affects their lives.
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