13 Oct 2026

In today’s highly competitive business landscape, standing out from the crowd remains a formidable challenge. 

Yet, for companies seeking to boost brand visibility, connect with potential clients and scale operations, trade shows continue to offer an irreplaceable advantage.  Unlike digital channels, expos bring high-impact, face-to-face marketing, immediate direct sales and critical real-time market intelligence. 

For entrepreneurs attending the second edition of the Maun Trade Expo, the event proved to be a genuine game-changer.  Among them was Zimbabwean enterprise Golden Hands Company director general, Mr Thomas Mupingo, who used his debut as an exhibitor to pave way for cross-border expansion into Botswana. 

Founded in 2010 and based in Ruwa, near Harare, Golden Hands Company specialises in genuine leather goods, including handcrafted handbags, wallets and belts.  As a verified manufacturer and exporter within Zimbabwe’s premium leather value chain, the company is well-positioned to expand regionally by leveraging trade agreements and cross-border partnerships.

Exhibiting at the Life Centre in Maun provided Mr Mupingo with first-hand look at local market dynamics.

“As a first-time exhibitor, direct face-to-face interactions allowed me to engage with decision-makers, industry professionals and qualified prospects.

 Understanding their specific needs demonstrated exactly how our products meet local demands and reinforced my intention to establish a permanent presence here in Maun,” he said.

Mr Mupingo’s strategic vision involves opening a leather processing and manufacturing plant in Maun to serve both the local tourism industry and global export markets.   The move addresses a longstanding economic gap. While the Ngamiland region historically holds one of the largest cattle herds in Botswana, it lacks localised commercial leather processing capabilities.  Raw hides are traditionally transported south to centralised facilities, leaving the region without the added economic value of finished goods. Establishing a factory in Maun would complete the regional value chain, securing a continuous supply of raw hides while keeping profits and economic impact within the local community. Beyond expanding his market footprint, Mr Mupingo aims to drive community development through capacity building. 

“I plan to work directly with local farmers and youth, sharing skills on raw hide processing. By combining local craftsmanship with sustainable processing, we can create high-quality products that compete on the global stage while generating jobs and reducing poverty,” he added.

Strong sales during the expo demonstrated clear local demand for premium leather products. With a solid track record of success and a strategy aligned with the region’s agricultural strength, Mr Mupingo encouraged other entrepreneurs to tap into the unique power of trade shows.  “Trade expos offer physical advantages that digital channels simply cannot replicate. Spontaneous, face-to-face interactions on the exhibition floor accelerate trust, build strategic partnerships and close deals faster,” he said. ENDS