Fairgounds CEO speaks of this year’s Consumer Fair
Consumer Fair moves from booths to billions
The Botswana Consumer Fair is no longer just a marketplace; it has evolved into a cornerstone of the nation’s economic and commercial calendar. As Fairground Holdings CEO Gorata Gabaraane noted in his welcoming remarks at the 18th edition, the event has grown from a “modest exhibition” into a powerful platform of national significance.
This year, guided by the theme “Embracing Technology and Innovation for Economic Transition,” the fair is championing a new era of growth driven by small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
The fair’s theme is a direct response to a world shaped by rapid technological change and evolving consumer expectations. Gabaraane stressed that to thrive, it’s no longer enough to maintain the status quo; innovation is key.
This innovation, she argues, isn’t limited to large corporations but belongs to everyone, especially SMMEs, whose creativity and resilience are essential to Botswana’s economic future. By embracing digital tools, from mobile payments to e-commerce, even the smallest businesses can access new markets and grow exponentially.
A major new initiative at this year’s fair is the Job Creation Forum, a partnership with SMME Empower. Over seven days, this platform offers SMMEs access to masterclasses, networking sessions, and direct engagements with investors and financiers.
This initiative is designed to equip small and medium enterprises with the tools and networks they need to scale, formalize partnerships, and unlock funding opportunities. As Gabaraane put it, a single connection made at the fair could “transform a small business into a thriving enterprise, and in turn, transform our economy.”
The Botswana Consumer Fair also proves that economic growth and social development can go hand in hand through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the “Pink Houses.”
This initiative provides six dedicated retail spaces to community-based projects led by Babusi Village Development Committees and local organizations. These spaces empower communities to generate sustainable income for vital causes like education, women’s empowerment, and healthcare.
The Pink Houses are a clear example of how Fairground Holdings uses its platform to drive social good, proving that enterprise can and should be a force for positive change.
The fair’s role extends beyond its immediate commercial and social impact. Gabaraane highlighted its alignment with the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), which aims to diversify the economy and enhance the private sector. The fair serves as a catalyst for enterprise growth, allowing SMMEs to showcase innovation and engage in business-to-business networking.
By attracting exhibitors and visitors from across the region, the event also solidifies Botswana’s reputation as a key destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, stimulating the local economy and boosting the “Destination Botswana” brand.
Gabaraane expressed heartfelt gratitude to the event’s organizers, sponsors, and, most importantly, the exhibitors and visitors who bring the fair to life. She called upon everyone to see the fair as a “celebration of innovation, resilience, and collaboration,” one that will continue to spark new ideas and new partnerships to drive national prosperity.
