Culture officials in Botswana are supporting proposals to introduce a National Arts Council for the African country.

According to reports, officials from the culture and youth department have backed the move – suggesting it would help to reduce poverty and create employment.

A council dedicated to promoting art and craft in Botswana could also serve to boost tourist numbers, with many travellers already visiting the sun-soaked nation for its cultural delights.

Dean Molebatsi, who works for the department, said it would also give a voice to Botswana's artists and those in the arts industry.

He added that a council would help to delegate funding more consistently to projects related to promoting paintings, sculpture and craft.

Batshani Tjiyapo, the deputy director of culture and youth in Botswana, described the arts sector as a vital part of the country's development as it is a "sustainable source of job creation".

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