Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Africa Links 24
Published on 2024-03-20 16:21:58
The Wilderness Local Suppliers Expo held at Okavango Wilderness Safaris in Maun showcased 110 local businesses offering a range of products and services to potentially collaborate with Wilderness camps in Botswana. The event, attended by government departments, parastatals, and financial institutions, aimed to strengthen the local value chain and procurement ecosystem.
One of the exhibitors at the expo was House of Moremi, founded by Kealeboga Mosinyi in 2018. This Maun-based youth-owned business specializes in providing interior styling and products sourced from across Africa. Mosinyi’s focus on African crafts reflects a love for travel and the creation of cherished memories through handmade products.
Gold Breeze, a procurement company founded by Ipeleng Chabata in Gaborone, supplies lodges in the Okavango Delta with products like morula fruit jam and achaar. Chabata praised the initiative, noting that it showcased Wilderness’s commitment to supporting local enterprises and providing exposure to exhibitors. The opportunity to learn more about the safari business and meet demand requirements was particularly valuable for businesses participating in the expo.
Another local store, Sele le Sele, offers a variety of 100% Botswana-made products, including jewellery, clothes, scented candles, fine art, raw honey, leather goods, and woven baskets. Established in 2022, the platform supports local brands in the creative industry by addressing operational and marketing challenges.
Tjipo Keaikitse, associated with Sele le Sele, highlighted the store’s role in empowering artists from disadvantaged backgrounds, emphasizing the impact of each purchase on supporting families in rural Botswana. Okavango Essence, founded by Doembie Seymour and Yolandi van Rensburg, is an amenities business in Maun that manufactures natural products like shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and room sprays. The brand focuses on sustainability and recycling by offering refillable bottles and encouraging customers to return containers for reuse.
The expo provided a platform for local businesses to showcase their products, connect with potential partners, and gain insight into the tourism market’s demands. By collaborating with Wilderness camps and engaging with government and financial institutions, these businesses can strengthen their presence in the industry and contribute to the local economy.
Overall, the Wilderness Local Suppliers Expo was a success in promoting local entrepreneurship, fostering collaboration between businesses and wilderness camps, and highlighting the diverse range of products and services available within the community. With ongoing support from stakeholders and continued participation in such initiatives, local businesses can thrive and contribute to the growth of Botswana’s tourism sector.
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