20 Apr 2023

Local businesses stand to benefit from the four-day Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa starting in Gaborone on Sunday.

The Forbes Communication Committee Chairperson - Government Mr Fenny Letshwiti said various sectors such as transport, hospitality and the media had been engaged for the second edition of the summit.He said the summit would provide a platform for local performers in the creative sector, chefs, entrepreneurs and other service providers to benefit from the various activities that would be undertaken in the city and surrounding areas.

“Participants from around the world will get to experience the sounds, cuisine and staples of our local culture while engaging in unbeatable networking and pitching opportunities,” he said.

The local hospitality sector would also enjoy its share as delegates are expected to lodge in the hotels, injecting money into the tourism sector.

“Botswana Tourism is working closely with our hotels to facilitate their stay in the country and also identify their areas of interest for further exploration,” he said.

Mr Letshwiti said the delegates have to be ferried to venues during the Summit, hence the transport sector has been roped in.

“Air Botswana is also on board helping delegates, organisers, service providers and other key stakeholders as they will be coming into the country to partake in the various activities for the summit,” he said.

The media also stands to benefit as local companies have been engaged for advert placements, publicity and promotion materials and this will generate revenue and contribute towards the growth of the sector. Billboards have been rented in Gaborone, Francistown, Maun, Shakawe and at the Tlokweng border post as well as at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport.

For his part, the Chairman of the Gaborone Taxi and Local Bus Service Association Mr Edson Tlhomelang said 40 taxis had been engaged to ferry delegates to their various destinations.

The taxis have to be clean, road worthy and have been tested by the Department of Road Transport and Safety (DRTS).

He called upon the police and DRTS to protect them against illegal operators not engaged for the summit, saying this ate on their profit margins last year.

The 40 taxis have been divided amongst the six hotels accommodating delegates, and Mr Tlhomelang said despite the markings, people found a way of cheating. He said at times taxis were called to ferry people from hotels and when they asked, they were told the passengers were not attending the Summit, only to be found at the event.
However, he said he had a meeting with the local Forbes Committee, which promised to attend to the challenges. ENDS