#Okavango Wilderness Safaris Hosts Successful Local Supplier Expo in Botswana
OWS remains committed to leveraging its influence and supporting enterprises through initiatives celebrating Botswana talent and driving sustainable tourism development.
Maun, Botswana - Okavango Wilderness Safaris (OWS) celebrated the inauguration of its groundbreaking Local Supplier Expo, showcasing over 120 local entrepreneurs to its network, writes Winston Mwale.
Held at OWS' Maun offices on Thursday, the event aimed to foster greater economic inclusion of citizen-owned businesses within Botswana's tourism value chain.
It brought together vendors across sectors from ceramics to food and provided a platform to network, showcase offerings, and pursue new partnerships.
In his remarks, Kabelo Ebineng of the Ministry of Entrepreneurship commended OWS' initiative, noting its catalytic role in connecting talent and spurring local enterprise.
Joe Matome, OWS Caretaker MD, expressed delight at the participation and commitment to enhancing socio-economic development in communities.
"This underscores our dedication to empowering citizens and enriching the guest experience through local sourcing," he said.
OWS' 2023 Impact Report found 96% Batswana employment and 85% local procurement expenditure. Chairman Kabelo Binns aims to steadily increase this proportion through events like the acclaimed Expo.
Attending dignitaries included representatives from the Ministries of Environment & Tourism, OCT, and Sankuyo Trust who applauded OWS' partnership. Vendors from diverse sectors networked vigorously.
OWS remains committed to leveraging its influence and supporting enterprises through initiatives celebrating Botswana talent and driving sustainable tourism development.