Global Venture Partners (GVP), a Dubai-based investment and media group, has entered a landmark strategic partnership with the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) that is expected to inject approximately P163 million in media value to boost Botswanaโs international visibility and economic diversification.
As part of the deal, GVP will establish its African headquarters in Botswana and introduce globally recognised media brands such asย Billboard Africa,ย Rolling Stone MENA, andย Robb Report Africaย to the country. The move is backed by GVPโs partnership with Penske Media Corporation, a U.S.-based media conglomerate that owns iconic titles includingย Variety,ย W Magazine, andย Rolling Stone.
GVP Managing Director Joshua Wilson described Botswana as a gateway to Africa, noting the country’s stable and transparent business environment. โAfter attending and speaking at the Forbes event in Botswana last year, I was struck by the countryโs unwavering commitment to sustainability, its exceptional resource management, and its focus on fostering a secure, prosperous future for its citizens,โ Wilson said.
The partnership aligns with GVPโs pan-African investment strategy, which includes active projects in Rwanda and Ghana in financial services and infrastructure, and a creative sector push in South Africa. The firm is also eyeing opportunities in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Tanzania and other major markets across the continent.
โThis collaboration is a turning point,โ Wilson said. โBotswana is underappreciated for its extraordinary accomplishments. We are proud to partner with the country to amplify its voice on the global stage.โ
The partnership supports President Advocate Duma Bokoโs vision to diversify Botswanaโs economy beyond minerals and promote ethical governance and sustainability. GVP says its entry will provide direct value in four areas:
- ย Media expansion:ย Boosting Botswanaโs global image as an investment and tourism destination through premium media coverage.
- Infrastructure development:ย Supporting projects in residential and commercial real estate, energy, and large-scale arena developments.
- Banking and finance:ย Enhancing financial innovation and cross-border trade through GVPโs financial sector investments.
- Research and analytics:ย Expanding data capabilities to provide investment insights and guide development efforts.
Trade and Entrepreneurship Minister Tiroyaone Ntsima welcomed the partnership as a significant leap forward for Botswanaโs global visibility.
โFor the first time, Botswana will be featured in key global media spaces,โ Ntsima said. โThis will enhance our ability to promote investment, grow tourism, and build the creative sector. We are confident that BITC, through the Brand Botswana initiative, will help deliver the full benefit of this partnership.โ
Global Venture Partners (GVP)ย is an international investment and media group focused on economic growth across Africa and the MENA region. With a diversified portfolio in media, banking, infrastructure, and energy, GVP partners with Penske Media Corporation to expand iconic brands across the continent.
Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC)ย is the countryโs investment promotion agency, responsible for attracting foreign and domestic investment, facilitating export growth, and managing the Brand Botswana initiative to promote the nationโs image globally.
Penske Media Corporation (PMC)ย is a global media and entertainment company headquartered in the U.S., known for its digital and print platforms that span entertainment, fashion, business, and luxury industries. Its brands reach millions of readers worldwide.
