‘Local companies to benefit from Trade Up North Botswana expo’

LOCAL companies in the mining, transport, and construction sectors have been urged to capitalise on the upcoming Trade Up North 2024-Mining, Manufacturing and Construction Exhibition in Botswana to explore collaborations and partnership opportunities.

The annual event runs from 23 to 24th July in Francistown under the theme: “Unlocking Botswana’s Economic Potential, Growth and Industrialisation”.

In an interview , Zimbabwe Institute of Foundries (ZIF) chief operations officer, Mr Dosman Mangisi said given the geographical location of Bulawayo and Francistown, local companies should take advantage of the event to attract investment opportunities between the two cities.

He said Botswana has a strong economy that can support Zimbabwean players, with its open borders initiative, which is crucial in terms of facilitating trade between the two countries.

“I urge local players to grab the opportunity brought by the Trade Up North Exhibition to explore the export market and investment opportunities, considering the distance between Francistown and Bulawayo, which is about 200 km,” said Mr Mangisi.

“While this event is addressing issues to do with mining, transport and industrialisation, it is very important for Zimbabwe as we are likely to witness a lot of direct investment from Botswana and we can explore a lot of opportunities.”

Mr Mangisi said the Trade Up North Exhibition will enhance trade between Zimbabwe and Botswana.

Zimbabwe and Botswana are forging ahead with eliminating passport requirements for citizens travelling between the two countries in line with regional and continental aspirations of facilitating the free movement of people across borders.

This will promote ease of doing business between two countries by facilitating a seamless movement of people and goods across the shared borders, boosting economic activity and strengthening regional integration.

Meanwhile, Mr Mangisi has been invited to be one of the guest speakers during the Trade Up North Exhibition.

“As you know, the mining sector is a critical stakeholder in the national development of Botswana. It is against this backdrop that we request your presence at this important event where stakeholders stand to benefit from some takeaways to develop downstream industries to maximise value chains on operations within their localities,” reads the invitation letter signed by the event organiser, Mr Vuyiswa Mojela.

Mining has been the economic mainstay for many economies in Africa and the development of different downstream and upstream industries has been critical in promoting the growth of the sector. — @SikhulekelaniM1.