The 29th edition of the Northern Trade Fair promises to be bigger and better this year, as over 158 exhibitors from various sectors are expected to converge in Francistown from the 21st to the 25th of this month.
Business Botswana Head of North, Eileen Van der Est on Monday said due to the high demand from exhibitors, they had to expand the exhibition marquees.
“Last year we had 146 small and medium enterprises exhibiting. This year’s trade fair has more enterprises from the private sector coming on board. It is totally different from previous years. To accommodate the high demand from interested exhibitors, we have had to increase the number of marquees, because space in our two exhibition halls was already fully booked”, said Van der Est during a press conference.
The trade fair will be officially opened by Vice President and Minister of Finance Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe and the main sponsor, Botash. This year’s fair will be held under the theme “Driving Economic Diversification Innovating Sustainable Growth”.
Van der Est explained that the theme is in line with national Vision 2036 and United Nations Sustainable Goal number nine which emphasizes on industry, innovation and infrastructure.
“The theme encourages entrepreneurship digital transformation and sustainable industrial growth. It also aligns with the City of Francistown local economic development strategy. And also, with the national MICE strategy”, she explained.
The Northern Trade Fair remains the largest fair in the northern region and a key driver of local economic activity creating opportunities for local business owners to showcase their products and services. It also serves as an opportunity for partnerships and wider market exposure. The fair further stimulates job creation as local service vendors for cleaning, security and contractors are engaged.
“On annual basis the fair boosts business in the hospitality, transport and retail sectors. Informal vendors and entertainers also benefit. Exhibitors in agriculture, banking IT, parastatal sector demonstrate a strong reflection and value business is displayed on this platform”, continued Business Botswana Head of North.
She assured exhibitors and visitors of a seamless and comfortable experience during the trade fair. “We are working hard to improve the BB grounds as well as upgrading our hall, expanding the electrical outlets. Ventilation and air conditioning is being improved to curb excessive heat. New additions to the trade fair are the fun park operated by three partners, in order to offer recreation and entertainment for children.”
She noted that this is to decrease traffic at the fair and create a memorable inclusive experience for the family.” A small stock and horticulture zone will be another interesting feature, where potential farmers can connect and learn from experienced farmers.
