Our Services
Book Store
We have a wonderful collection of books available for all of our readers. Whether you are looking for fiction or non-fiction, we have something that will pique your interest. Our shelves are stocked with the latest bestsellers, classic novels, academic texts, and so much more.
Aga Motse
Rooms
We have a range of top-quality rooms available to accommodate your training sessions. Whether you require a small, intimate space for a one-on-one training session or a larger and more spacious room for group training, we have you covered.
Aga Motse
Aga Motse: Where Words Create Worlds
Located in the heart of Botswana’s capital city, Gaborone, in an area known as “Partial” – one of the oldest areas in the city – The AgaMotse Centre stands as a sanctuary for artists. This locality once an experimental area developed as a transitional space, now serves as the perfect backdrop for our literary and artistic endeavour.
Situated near the Maoka Junior Secondary School, off Segoditshane Way, with Broadhurst kombi stops around the corner, it is easily accessible on foot or by road.
The AgaMotse Centre offers a tranquil environment for those passionate about the literary arts. Our centre is quickly becoming renowned as a gathering place for writers, poets, storytellers, and creative individuals to share their work, interact with like-minded individuals, and collaborate with organisations that share our ethos.
At The AgaMotse Centre, we believe in the power of art to create worlds – worlds of art that inspire, educate, and ignite the imagination. Literature is not confined to the written page; it integrates with other art forms, such as sound and visuals. We embrace this multidisciplinary approach, fostering an environment where words come alive through performances, exhibitions, and collaborative projects.
In a country with a population of slightly over 2 million, we recognise the importance of building upon previous efforts and networks to grow the literary arts community. Our primary aim is to support emerging and established literary artists and introduce access to literature. Through research and documentation, we strive to build and sustain a comprehensive archive of deceased and living contemporary Botswana literary artists.
We invite you to join us on this journey, where words create worlds of art – worlds that inspire, challenge, and transcend boundaries. Explore our centre, immerse yourself in the vibrant world of literary expression, and let your imagination lead.
Our Aim
Our primary aim is to enhance the development of artists, both emerging and established, and introduce access to literature, particularly within the historically disadvantaged communities; to build and sustain through research and documentation, a comprehensive archiving of deceased and living contemporary Botswana literary artists.
Our History
AgaMotse wears our history on its walls which are adorned with black-and-white images shot by photographer pioneers such as the outstanding Page Lefhoko of Serowe. There are photos of a young Botswana, of Moeng College, Botswana’s first president and members of the first diplomatic corps. There are images that celebrate Botswana’s ties to South Africa—Mahikeng, Tyger Kloof, and Fort Hare. One wall is dedicated entirely to writers who visit AgaMotse.
Our HO Project
An HO gauge model railway system will be a focal point with pieces collected over 50 years and powered by miniature engines worldwide. The garden will be moved towards a less water-intensive design that uses drought-resistant plants, practices rainwater harvesting, uses solar and green energy. The vegetable patch will be expanded. Jams will continue to be made from fruit gathered from the bountiful orchard.
Our Vision
We imagine a space that is centered on African literature that encourages the development of creative writers. We aim to provide a safe and warm setting for artistic expression, promote free speech, and contribute to preserving and celebrating the preservation and celebration of African literary history.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to nurture and empower emerging African writers by providing a supportive and inspiring environment, proficient coaching, and the resources they need to thrive creatively. We are committed to curating a varied range of literary works that reflect Africa's rich cultural and historical experiences.
Through our annual film or documentary production, we aim to amplify the voices of African writers, promote their stories to a wider audience, and contribute to the enrichment of African arts and culture.
Our Values
We value those who came before us.
We will learn from them. We value and encourage the exploration of new ideas and artistic expressions. We encourage creativity and allow writers to encourage creativity and giving writers opportunities to develop their distinct voices.
We value diversity and seek to create an inclusive environment that respects and welcomes people of various backgrounds, ethnicities, and identities. We are dedicated to creating a culture in which everyone feels appreciated, heard, and supported.
We support the principle of free expression, appreciating its importance in artistic expression and intellectual conversation. We give a forum for writers to openly express their ideas, views, and points of view without fear of censorship or judgment.
We want to create a profound and enduring impact on African literature, creative writing, and the cultural landscape of the African continent by upholding these values and following our vision and goal.
Environmental Sustainability:
We are commited to developing a green environment and sustainable practices. We endeavour to reduce our environmental impact by adopting environmentally-friendly activities such as recycling programmes and energy-efficient infrastructure.
Coaching and Mentorship:
We recognize the importance of coaching and mentoring in the growth of new writers. We offer advice, constructive critiques, and mentoring opportunities to authors at various stages of their creative journeys.
Preservation and archiving:
We realise the importance of conserving and archiving African literary works and historical resources. We aspire to create a comprehensive archival collection that documents the history and diversity of African literature, guaranteeing that future generations can access and benefit from this important cultural heritage.
Author: Barolong Seboni
Nitty Gritty Book Launch, June 2023
AgaMotse Short Story Competition
Inaugural annual AgaMotse Short Story Competition
The inaugural annual AgaMotse Short Story Competition will be held in September 2023. A series of creative writing workshops will be held to prepare for this.
Check Out Our Library
Aga Motse
Contact Us
P O Box 53311, Gaborone, Botswana
Monday – Friday:
7am – 7pm
Saturday – Sunday:
8am – 7pm
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