08 Aug 2024

Chobe region entrepreneurs have been implored to expand their business scope beyond Chobe and aim for new markets.

Speaking at a network session organised by Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub (BDIH) in Kasane on Wednesday, the programmes manager of BDIH’, Mr Obakeng Segwagwe told entrepreneurs that Chobe was sparsely populated compared to other areas in Botswana, hence it was imperative that businesses expanded their market to increase their revenue.

He said sitting at a quad point with Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe rendered it easy for Chobe businesses to penetrate regional markets.

Mr Segwagwe stated that the network sessions targeted entrepreneurs and those looking into venturing into business across the country to build their product brands and remain sustainable.

He pointed out that the objectives of this interactions was to transform Chobe business landscape and foster collaborations amongst the entrepreneurs.

He highlighted that Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) were drivers of economic growth, providing employment and supporting big companies including government with products and services.

Moreover, he stated that the private sector was vital in many economies as it stimulated growth and generated tax revenue. The manager encouraged entrepreneurs to possess the spirit of perseverance in all their business endeavours because investors were interested in entrepreneurs who looked beyond challenges and failure.

Chobe Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) branch manager, Mr Tannyboy Matebesi stated that it was imperative for entrepreneurs to measure their business growth.

He highlighted that today’s business climate required entrepreneurs to adopt innovation and keep up with trends in order to stay relevant to the ever changing demands and products.

“Many a times business owners are resistant to change and want to recycle business approaches over and over without incorporating innovative trends that attract more clients, thereby missing out on opportunities.”

Mr Matebesi called on Chobe entrepreneurs to be proactive and approach LEA offices, council and government departments to make inquiries on opportunities available for them to explore.

He pointed out that there were many opportunities in horticulture because of the vegetable importation ban, adding that the horticultural market in Botswana was estimated worth P1.3 billion.

He remarked that the Kasane-Kazungula Redevelopment Plan offered opportunities for business people to tap into, saying they could establish a private school to complement the one in Kasane and turn homes into B&Bs. Ends