Fairgrounds Holdings says the Botswana Consumer Fair has proved to be the prime event in the country as it has the capacity to create jobs for locals, diversify the economy and generate much neeeded revenue.
Giving an update of the upcoming Botswana Consumer Fair 2016, Fairgrounds Holdings Marketing and Communications Manager Thabo Mogomotsi said the fair also contributes immensely to the growth of SMME sector not only in Botswana, but the SADC region at large.
“The consumer fair is more than just shopping, the slogan summaries all activities of the fair which are business, entertainment, family outing and exploring under one roof,” said Mogomotsi. She further stated that this year’s fair is fully booked with a total of 500 stalls and 564 exhibitors, adding that the organisers have managed to attract 30 local manufacturers and 14 foreign countries including Nigeria, Pakistan, Czech Republic, Japan, India, China and Egypt and countries in the SADC bloc.
Mogomotsi believes that the Botswana Consumer Fair is by far the largest fair in Botswana, that attracted over 62 500 visitors in 2015 during the 7 day period, adding that more participants are expected this year.
“This year marks the 11th edition of this flagship event with a new slogan ‘its more than just shopping’ and will run for the next five years.
Quizzed on the editions to the fair, Mogomotsi said the Fairgrounds Holdings and the Botswana Musicians Union continue their partnership to provide a platform for local artists to showcase their talent to more than 62 000 visitors. She further said that in their bid to reduce the time lag between family and child separation, they have once again partnered with the Botswana Red Cross Society.
“This is a window for business ideas which could lead to entrepreneurial opportunities and job creation to further boost government’s efforts to diversify the economy,” she said.
She added that Fairgrounds Holdings believes that consumer fair has positioned itself as the premier event to market the products and services of the SMMEs. He said it is also perceived as the value adding platform for economic diversification as it exposes citizens to global products and innovations which are then transformed into viable businesses.
She said the fair is scheduled for Monday 22nd adding that an open wifi network will be accessible to exhibitors during the entire period of the fair. She stated that the prize giving awards ceremony will be held on Thursday 24th August evening.
