The minister for State President Moeti Mohwasa has commended Okavango Wilderness Safaris (OWS)for standing out in the tourism space not just for the scale of its operations, but for the depth of its impact.
Speaking during the second annual of the company’s Local Suppliers’ Expo that was held in Maun this week, Mohwasa stated that through its extensive network of camps and lodges, the company has employed 923 with 98% of its workforce being Batswana, many from the very communities surrounding its camps.
He indicated that beyond jobs, Wilderness is helping to shape something far greater, dignity, capacity, ownership, adding that this is why the company’s citizen-focused approach, rooted in a strong impact model, must be applauded.
‘Last year, I am informed, this Expo hosted 110 local vendors, resulting in over P 6 million in new contracts to citizen-owned businesses rising to over P8 million this year alone. This is an increasing component of the P292 million per year of its procurement from Botswana registered businesses some of whom were also already citizen owned already,” he said.
He said Wilderness’s consistency and commitment serve as an encouragement, not only to its peers in tourism but to all industries across the economy.
OWS Chairman Kabelo Binns said since 2016 alone Wilderness has invested over P700 million into Botswana, adding that over the last decade, they have injected P1.8 billion into local procurement, paid P1.2 billion in citizen wages, and contributed over P305 million in concession fees to gouvernent and communities.
“We are proud of these numbers, not because they are large, but because they are local. They reflect a business model that sees conservation not as a destination, but as a shared journey. So when we say we are here to be true partners to Batswana, we mean it,’’ he said.
Binns stated that their next frontier is agriculture, with a farm-to-camp fresh produce initiative now underway in Shorobe. He said that the project is about food security, local produce, and a deeper connection between their camps and communities.
The 2025 edition of the Expo focused on showcasing local suppliers with potential for future collaboration. OWS is committed to strengthen Botswana’s local value chain by sourcing products and services from citizen owned businesses for its 14 camps across the country.
The 2025 edition of the Expo focused on showcasing local suppliers with potential for future collaboration. Priority categories included, Ceramics (tableware and decorative), Uniform, Linen, Towels, Engine Lubricants, Curios, Amenities, Food and Beverage (including agricultural supplies), Tyres, Bulbs, Toilet Paper, Services for Consolidation (to identify more services need and bring together smaller suppliers), and Cleaning Materials.
Following the expo, OWS hosted a Vendor Development Workshop as part pf its continued commitment to empowering local enterprises. The workshop focused on essential business skills, including procurement readiness, quality control, packaging and delivery standards, pricing, and general supplier development support. The session provided valuable insights and tools to strengthen vendors business operations and align with OWS supplier expectations.
OWS has assured it’s committed to strengthen Botswana’s local value chain by sourcing products and services from citizen owned businesses for its 14 camps across the country.
