Africa-Press – Botswana. This year’s Business Botswana Northern Trade Fair was a powerful statement about Botswana’s economic resilience and innovative potential.
Business Botswana vice president (North), Mr Humprey Nawa, described the fair as a cut above the rest, a resounding success that defied the challenges of a recently ‘collapsed economy’.
He said for Botswana to move forward, its people must be participants, not recipients.
The secret to the success of the show, he said was a diverse range of exhibitors spanning agriculture, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), as well as manufacturing, showcasing a remarkable level of determination and perseverance.
The fair was not just a marketplace, it was a showcase of innovation, attracting young entrepreneurs and fostering a spirit of self-reliance.
The virtual tour equipment by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and the exhibition of electric cars by eMobility particularly stood out, highlighting Botswana’s foray into green energy and its potential to create new value chains and jobs.
“These innovations have value chain development and can create more jobs, grow the economy and improve the livelihoods of many households,” Mr Nawa emphasised, highlighting the educational aspect of the fair, with its focus on manufacturing, the cornerstone of economic development.
However, the fair was not without its challenges. Space limitations prevented the inclusion of cattle, a significant aspect of Botswana’s agricultural sector.
While small stock exhibitions continued to thrive, Mr Nawa acknowledged the need for expansion to accommodate larger livestock displays in the future, outlining plans to address the space constraints for next year’s event.
He encouraged exhibitors to consider investing in their own dedicated showrooms, a model adopted in other countries to attract both domestic and international participation.
Mr Nawa envisions the Francistown trade fair grounds becoming a hub of activity, utilised at least twice a month to maintain momentum.
While acknowledging financial constraints and the need for increased sponsorship, he outlined plans to upgrade the facilities, expressing the need for more showrooms, particularly during the windy winter months.
Mr Nawa highlighted the participation of young people from across various sectors and encouraged greater youth involvement in future events.
He further emphasised Francistown’s strategic location as a logistics and mining hub, suggesting that leveraging the trade fair’s infrastructure could revitalise the local economy, particularly in the wake of mine closures.
“It is more than just a trade fair, it is a testament to Botswana’s enduring spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation,” said Mr Nawa.
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