Wilderness Supplier Expo returns
Mbongeni Mguni | Wednesday June 18, 2025 12:25
In a statement, OWS officials said the event would be held from June 26 to 27 in Maun. The officials said the Expo stands as a testament to OWS's enduring commitment to building a sustainable tourism value chain anchored in citizen economic empowerment, inclusive procurement, and transformational partnerships.
The Expo reflects OWS's belief that partnering for progress – by investing in local suppliers and fostering shared growth – is fundamental to building a thriving, resilient tourism economy rooted in local ownership. On Day One, shortlisted vendors and exhibitors will directly present their products and services to OWS, engaging in real-time assessments aligned to pre-determined procurement criteria.
This process not only strengthens transparency and accountability in supplier selection, but offers immediate access to opportunity for citizen-led businesses. Day Two will focus on capacity-building and knowledge exchange – with curated workshops, deep-dive sessions, and tailored mentoring designed to help vendors understand and navigate the OWS procurement ecosystem.
OWS Caretaker Managing Director, Joe Matome, reflected on the deeper purpose behind the Expo, noting: 'At OWS, we believe that responsible tourism must go hand-in-hand with local empowerment. Our Local Supplier Expo is not just a procurement initiative – it is a platform for partnership, growth, and inclusion. We are proud to be creating space for Batswana entrepreneurs to showcase their capabilities and to access the tools and relationships that will help them thrive'.
He added, 'True progress lies in partnership. When we collaborate with citizen-owned businesses who align with our values of excellence, sustainability, and community upliftment, we don't just strengthen our supply chain – we help build an economy that reflects and rewards the potential of our people'.