07 Sep 2026

Chobe district is fast emerging as Botswana’s premier economic frontier, driven by a powerful convergence of high-yield agribusiness, elite tourism status and corridor for regional trade.

 Delivering a keynote address at the Chobe Business Expo 2026 in Kazungula on Friday, The Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship Mr Tiroeaone Ntsima said Chobe’s strategic location placed Botswana at the intersection of important regional markets.

He said it was imperative that local enterprises actively participated in cultivating economic growth rather than observing from far. Mr Ntsima implored young entrepreneurs to learn their markets, understand their customers, embrace technology and be consistent. 

He indicated that the business expo was an important platform because it provided businesses with an opportunity to showcase their products and meet potential customers. “When businesses connect, opportunities are created to generate investment and add value retained within communities.” 

The event organiser and Director of Yebo Travel and Tours, Ms Elsie Mosweu stated that the expo was birthed upon realising that businesses needed a platform to reconnect, find customers and build partnerships. 

She said no business operated in isolation hence Chobe Business expo was an opportunity to explore market, connect and strengthen supply chain. 

She stated that over the past five years of the expo running, they experienced many challenges emanating from the effects of COVID-19 but however remained resolute because they wanted to see businesses prosper.

Member of Parliament for Chobe Mr Simasiku Mapulanga stated that infrastructure in Chobe was in a dire state despite the region being a gateway for trade in the SADC region. The MP noted that Chobe infrastructure did not match its global state of a tourism hub because there was no senior secondary school, modern hospital and even agro processing warehouses. He said proper infrastructure was the key to position Chobe as a competitive destination against town in neighbouring countries adding that this would encourage tourists to stay longer days in the district attracted by efficient healthcare and transportation. ends