25 Aug 2024

 The Tokafala Programme has been hailed for assisting Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) to expand and enhance their business operations.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony of 118 graduates from the Tokafala Programme, Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) member, Mr Kago Paul expressed gratitude that Tokafala had assisted a number of businesses to leverage on the new and existing markets.

A crucial lesson learnt through the programme, he said was the value of personalised client handling, especially during the bustling peak tourism seasons indicating that understanding and catering to diverse client needs had proven vital for delivering exceptional experiences.

Mr Paul said the programme had underscored the essential role of a strong online presence, enabling SMMEs to extend their market reach and operate more efficiently.

For those engaged in safari activities, he noted that aligning with changing customer demand was pivotal adding that SMMEs had observed  that new customer needs revolved around sustainability and authentic cultural experiences.

Similarly, he said customer preferences leaned towards responsible wildlife encounters and immersive nature experiences

Mr Paul said the tourism value chain holds promise through adaptation to trends and embracing technology.

Among the graduates, 30 businesses were under the enterprise development, 59 businesses were as youth start-ups and 29 youth trained to enhance their employability skills.

“HATAB shared a common goal with Tokafala of fostering a steady growth in businesses that can positively contribute towards growth and job creation in the country. As such we have agreed to bring to the table diverse skills and backgrounds to seamlessly achieve this noble initiative. Our collaborative efforts are now showing results amid the tourism recovery phase as evidenced by the jobs creation and re-investments that were made ,” he added.

He appreciated the online modules offered by the Tokafala programmme, particularly focusing on the right customers, developing a profitable pricing strategy saying they had been instrumental in guiding the beneficiaries.

He said these modules empowered participants to effectively target international tourists while simultaneously enhancing their local market presence by aligning services with customer expectations and adopting appropriate pricing and retention strategies.

Deputy district commissioner, Mr Ramogaupi Gaborekwe also appreciated the Tokafala programme.

“I am reliably informed that the advisory trainings conducted by Tokafala were successful leading to a satisfactory graduation rate. This is indeed commendable and indicative of the entrepreneurs’ appetite in reinforcement of your business management skills. I am particularly thrilled to highlight a significant achievement in our commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment,” he added.

Mr Gaborekwe further noted that as diverse stakeholders, they stand united with high optimism and eagerly anticipate productive engagements that would pave the way for the growth and prosperity of the business community in the district and beyond.

He encouraged all beneficiary businesses to take full advantage of the advisory and mentorship services available saying such resources could prove invaluable in revitalising their business growth and ensuring a thriving and resilient future for the tourism industry in the region.

Tokafala is an enterprise development programme which focuses on helping existing SMMEs to grow their businesses and assist unemployed youth who seek to become economically active.

It is a collaboration between government, Debswana, DeBeers Group and Anglo American.ends