05 Oct 2026

Following its participation at The Business Show Africa in Johannesburg, Maun Trade Expo has been invited to exhibit at The Business Show Sydney in Australia next month.

Founded by Mr Onkatametse Meti and focusing on creating connections between businesses, markets, investors and customers while supporting entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development, the Maun Tarde Expo provides an avenue through which businesses could participate in development, identify opportunities and build relationships that extend beyond the expo.

With participation across sectors such as agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, retail, technology and professional services, the expo provides businesses with an opportunity to showcase their products, connect with customers, partners, investors and explore new markets.

Speaking during the official opening of the 2^nd edition of the expo on October 2, Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Mr Tiroeaone Ntsima noted that as government sought to grow local business, there was need to look beyond domestic market.

Mr Ntsima appreciated that participating in an international show, which would be held in Sydney on November 25 to 26, 2026, presented Maun Trade Expo with an opportunity to take Botswana’s business story to an international audience.

“The next step is to ensure that the opportunities created through the expo are converted into sustainable business relationships,” he added.

Mr Ntsima said the opportunity was an avenue through which the Maun Trade Expo could expand its network and expose participating businesses to international markets.

Furthermore, he acknowledged the expo growth from approximately 95 exhibitors at its first edition to more than 119 exhibitors, demonstrating growing interest in Maun as a platform for businesses to meet, exchange ideas and explore commercial opportunities.

He appreciated that the expo provided exposure for local entrepreneurs, artists and service providers while creating temporary opportunities in areas such as catering, security, registration, cleaning, transport and event management

“A successful trade expo is ultimately measured not only by the number of exhibitors or visitors it attracts but by what happens after the exhibition, the relationships established, the opportunities pursued, the deals explored, the markets opened and the businesses that grow as a result. As we celebrate the second edition of the Maun Trade Expo, let us continue to strengthen platforms that bring businesses together and create meaningful opportunities for enterprise development,” he said.

Mr Ntsima hailed the expo as an initiative that complemented the national efforts to promote entrepreneurship, enterprise development, investment and market access.

He added that three companies that previously participated in the expo, had subsequently opened branches in Maun, illustrating how business exhibitions could serve as a starting point for long-term commercial engagement and investment.

Mr Ntsima said government welcomed and supports initiatives that created space for entrepreneurs to connect, innovate, trade and grow by pursuing opportunities that could contribute to sustainable economic growth.

As Botswana continues to pursue the development of Maun as a green city and an eco-urban tourism hub, he said platforms that brought businesses, investors and entrepreneurs together could contribute meaningfully to the wider economic transformation. 

Held under the theme: Enhancing Business Growth and Sustainability, the business expo founder, Mr Meti noted that it meant to celebrate Botswana’s spirit of enterprise, unity and shared responsibility.

“The Maun Trade Expo is established from a strong belief that businesses in Maun, the North West District and Botswana deserve a platform where they can be seen, heard and connected to opportunities. When local businesses grow, they create employment. When entrepreneurs succeed, families and communities benefit and when businesses work together, our national economy grows significantly,” he added. 

Mr Meti described the expo as a platform for collaboration between government, the private sector, parastatals, development agencies, local communities and entrepreneurs among others. 

He appealed to established businesses to support emerging enterprises, equally urging financial institutions to develop accessible solutions for entrepreneurs. ENDS