Online Reporter
Prosper Ndlovu in Gaborone, Botswana
BULAWAYO’S self-styled Biltong Queen, Nobuhle Ntaisi, is sinking her teeth into the Botswana market after wowing visitors at the Global Expo 2025 in Gaborone.
The bubbly founder of Nobby’Snax Biltong is part of a 20-member Zimbabwean delegation under ZimTrade’s Next She Exporter Programme and says the trip has opened juicy opportunities for her growing snack empire.
“Well, as Nobby’Snax it was such an honour being here at the Botswana Global Expo. It was our first time and we’ve had great engagements with the locals,” said Ntaisi.
She revealed that her mouth-watering biltong has already sparked talks of partnerships and meat supply deals across the border.
“At first they were a bit skeptical, saying, ‘Are you really bringing your beef here? This is a meat country, we have the best beef!’” she laughed. “But I told them, ‘We hear you, but we also have the best beef in Bulawayo!’ It’s been such an eye-opener — there are no limits when you believe in your product.”
Ntaisi’s confidence and charm have made her one of the standout exhibitors at this year’s showcase, which closes today.
The Next She Exporter Programme by ZimTrade empowers women-led businesses to break into international markets. Launched in 2021, it equips female entrepreneurs with export skills, mentorship, and global exposure.
The initiative targets enterprises with at least 51 percent female ownership and focuses on value-adding industries such as agro-processing, crafts, cosmetics, and manufacturing.
So far, more than 200 women have benefited, with many now exporting their products regionally and beyond.
Through training in packaging, branding, and export compliance, participants like Ntaisi have turned local ideas into internationally competitive products.
For the Biltong Queen, the Botswana expo is just the beginning.
“This trip has taught me that being Zimbabwean doesn’t mean I can’t do business across borders. Our beef, our flavours — they deserve the world’s taste buds,” she said confidently.
Looks like Botswana might soon be chewing on a bit of Bulawayo!
