26 Mar 2026

The inaugural Chobe Connect 2026, is touted to position the Chobe region as an economic hub, premier strategic gateway to the SADC market capitalising on its unrivalled cross- border connectivity.

Known globally for its golden sunsets and sundry elephants, Chobe will on March 30 to 31 shift into a hub where investors, industry leaders, financiers, development partners transform the region to a frontier for sustainable agro- industrial and tourism investment in Southern Africa.

Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA) public relations and communications manager, Mr Patrick Molokwe, told BOPA that Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe, would deliver a keynote address themed: Driving Botswana’s Economic Transformation Through Agri-business, Tourism, Energy and Infrastructure Development.

He noted that the Chobe Connect 2026 concept, was the brainchild of SEZA, partnered with FNBB to showcase opportunities, present ideas for investment and see them into execution. The conference responds to Botswana national development priorities, including economic diversification, private sector-led growth, regional integration and the implementation of Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP).

The area was selected for its strategic border location, strong tourism base, and high investment potential, hence the event uniquely focuses on unlocking opportunities specific to the Chobe District.

Again, Mr Molokwe stated that Chobe Connect supported SEZA by attracting investors and facilitating partnerships that unlocked the potential of the Pandamatenga Economic Zone as a key agronomy and agro-processing hub.

He said the initiative stimulated interest in the agro-processing initiative as part of the value-addition, value chain and zeroing in on Pandamatenga as a bread basket of Botswana producing 47 per cent of the national annual crop production.

There are 107 hectares reserved for agro-processing, ready for investors and an additional 40 000 hectares reserved for expansion to augment the 96 500 hectares allocated for agro-production, Mr Molokwe said.

The events promises to create opportunities for Chobe community to participate in value chains by linking local businesses and SMMEs to investors in agriculture, tourism, and logistics, supporting jobs, enterprise growth, and local value addition.

“There are immense opportunities for partnership, mentorship and skills transfer, also local entrepreneurs will participate by showcasing their businesses, engaging with investors, and exploring partnerships that position as suppliers within emerging value chains,” said Mr Molokwe.

He said the premium investor conference was expected to be held annually, to sustain investment engagement and track progress in the Chobe region.

Key topics to be discussed include, BETP projects, Unlocking Pandamatenga agro- production and processing, Kasane- Kazungula redevelopment project, Infrastructure powering trade, agro industry and regional integration.

Meanwhile Chobe District occupies a uniquely strategic position at the confluence of Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia offering exceptional cross border connectivity, world renowned tourism assets and growing agro-industrial potential. With approved BETP projects and establishment of Pandamatenga Special Economic Zone, the district is poised to become a catalyst for agro-industrial value chain, tourism regeneration and logistics-driven regional trade. ENDS