Botswana Consumer Fair to Introduce New Business-Focused Features

Botswana Consumer Fair to Introduce New Business-Focused Features. The Botswana Consumer Fair will return from August 25 to 31 this year with new features aimed at enhancing opportunities for local entrepreneurs and businesses, Fairground Holdings CEO Ms Gorata Gabaraane has announced.

Speaking at a press briefing in Gaborone, Ms Gabaraane said this year’s edition would, for the first time, include business-to-business sessions and master classes in partnership with local organisation, Job Creation. She described the move as a valuable opportunity for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to gain exposure and grow their networks.

In addition, the fair’s prize-awarding ceremony will undergo a notable upgrade. Instead of the traditional cinema-style format, winners will be celebrated at an elegant dinner on the opening day, designed to encourage networking and recognise outstanding contributions in a more formal setting.

Over 36 000 consumers and exhibitors are expected to attend the week-long event, with 11 countries represented. This year’s programme aims to strengthen the fair’s role as a hub for trade, innovation, and knowledge sharing.

Fairs and exhibitions manager Mr Ontlametse Ramokgalo said the partnership with Job Creation is intended to reinforce the event’s trade focus. “We have noted that the fair is dominated by service providers, which compromises the trading element. This collaboration seeks to address that,” he explained.

Mr Ramokgalo further highlighted the potential impact on youth-led enterprises, noting that over 50 000 youth-run businesses emerge annually. He said the fair could provide them with an avenue to expand their brands, connect with customers, and engage the wider entrepreneurship ecosystem, contributing to Botswana’s economic growth.

The Botswana Consumer Fair remains one of the country’s largest multi-sector events, offering a platform for both local and international participation.