Private sector participation boosts BB Northern Trade Fair
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Wednesday May 28, 2025 06:00
More than 158 exhibitors from a variety of industries, including banking, information technology, agriculture, and parastatals, exhibited their goods and services at the ongoing trade expo, which began last Tuesday and ended on Saturday. Additionally, the BBNTF is one of the major fairs which adds to the local economic value chain that benefits the hospitality, retail, informal, services, transportation, and health sectors. The 2025 edition of the Trade Fair was held under the theme 'Driving Economic Diversification, Innovation for Sustainable Growth'. In an interview with BusinessMonitor, the Francistown BBS branch manager Matlhogonolo Segotsane said that they expect a large number of attendees from the general public and corporations at this year's trade fair. She stated that since they have become a commercial bank, they are thrilled to share their products and services. According to Segotsane, they educated the public about their youth current account and the need for parents to teach their children financial literacy.
Insure Guard cluster team leader Mpho Lefowane said that this year’s edition is bigger than the previous one. She stated that they hoped that more people would visit the BB grounds so that they may utilise marketing to increase their brand's exposure.
Speaking about their business, she clarified that Insure Guard handles legal and short-term insurance, to name a few.
Khumo Properties Estate Officer Loago Mmereki stated that they have been attending the trade fair since 2018. He said that the trade fair has been growing over the years but this year’s edition is particularly noteworthy as it has attracted more participation from the private sector. Mmereki said that a large number of individuals and corporates visited their stalls to learn more about property development and acquisition. 'This will assist in eliminating the gap that exist in finance institutions by assisting with property financing,' he said. During a press conference, the Head of Business Botswana North Eileen van der Est, said that this year’s exhibition was expected to attract more than 158 exhibitors from diverse sectors, exceeding last year’s 146. Van der Est emphasised the fair's importance as the largest in northern Botswana, driving local economic activity and providing a platform for small and medium enterprises to expand their market reach and explore partnerships. She highlighted the increased participation of dynamic new businesses and innovative approaches from returning exhibitors, along with expanded stall space to accommodate greater numbers, including crucial informal sector businesses.