11/09/2025
๐ง๐ผ๐ง๐ผ
๐๐๐ข๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐ฃ๐ข ๐๐ข๐ง๐ฆ๐ช๐๐ก๐: ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฉ๐๐ก๐ ๐ง๐ฅ๐๐๐, ๐๐ก๐ฉ๐๐ฆ๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐ง, ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ข๐ก๐ข๐ ๐๐ ๐ง๐ฅ๐๐ก๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก
As Botswana continues its journey toward economic transformation and diversification, Global Expo Botswana (GEB) stands out as a flagship event that showcases the countryโs commitment to international trade and investment. Organised annually by the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), the Expo has evolved into a cornerstone of Botswanaโs economic diplomacy since its inception in 2006.
From modest beginnings, GEB has grown into one of the regionโs most reputable trade and investment platforms. It consistently draws businesses, governments, and investors from more than 15 countries each year. What began as a local showcase has matured into a strategic meeting point that connects Botswana to Africa and the global marketplace.
One of the pivotal moments in GEBโs evolution came in 2013 with the introduction of the Investment & Trade Conference, which welcomed internationally renowned speakers such as Sir Richard Branson and Mr Hendrik von Scheel, the visionary behind the Fourth Industrial Revolution. More recently, the Business Matchmaking Programme has become a core feature, enabling structured meetings between exhibitors and potential buyers, investors, and partnersโdelivering tangible outcomes for participants.
๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐
๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฑ
The 18th edition of GEB promises to be the most dynamic yet, with new features aimed at strengthening investment and trade linkages. A major highlight will be the inaugural P**a Investment Conference, which will bring together a high-level mix of investors, development finance institutions, and project sponsors. This platform is tailored to align with Botswanaโs investment priorities and its ambitious Economic Transformation Program.
In addition to the conference, attendees can look forward to high-level panel discussions, deal rooms, live project pitches, and an exclusive day dedicated to entrepreneurship and the creative industries. A rich and diverse exhibition floor will showcase innovations and offerings from both local and international businesses, ensuring there is something of value for every stakeholder.
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐
This yearโs event is expected to host over 300 exhibitors, representing a wide cross-section of Botswanaโs industries alongside regional and international counterparts. More than 250 delegates and an estimated 3,000 visitors are anticipated, including business leaders, policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs.
A major drawcard for 2025 is the participation of Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation. Known for his advocacy for entrepreneurship across Africa, Mr. Elumelu will headline the Entrepreneurship and Creative Industries Day. His presence underscores the Expoโs relevance as a platform that champions inclusive economic growth and innovation.
๐ง๐ฎ๐ป๐ด๐ถ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐ข๐๐๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ด๐ถ๐ฐ ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐
GEB is not just a showcaseโit is a deal-making platform. A landmark achievement came in 2022 when Afreximbank announced a US$1.5 billion financing programme for Botswana, focused on infrastructure development, trade finance, and industrialisation. Such milestones affirm the Expoโs role in unlocking significant foreign direct investment and catalysing economic transformation.
Other sectors that have seen investment traction through GEB include mining services, manufacturing, agriculture, and ICT. These investments reflect Botswanaโs sectoral priorities and the Expoโs strategic alignment with national economic goals.
Spotlight on Key Sectors and SMME Support
The 2025 Expo will spotlight sectors critical to Botswanaโs transformation agenda, including:
โข Infrastructure Development
โข Energy and Renewables
โข Mining and Mineral Beneficiation
โข Agriculture and Agro-processing
โข Tourism
โข ICT and Digital Economy
โข Financial Services
Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are not left behind. Through the Business Matchmaking Programme and the dedicated /Brand Botswana Marketplace, SMMEs will gain visibility, access to market linkages, and the opportunity to form strategic partnerships. These platforms are designed to help them scale and integrate into regional and global value chains.
๐๐ฑ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฎโ๐ ๐๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐ผ๐บ๐ถ๐ฐ ๐๐ด๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฎ
With Botswana at a critical juncture in its development journey, GEB 2025 is more than an eventโit is a tool for transformation. By presenting priority projects to investors and aligning discussions with national development goals, the Expo supports the broader Economic Transformation Program. It plays a vital role in fostering job creation, attracting capital, and encouraging innovation.
In essence, Global Expo Botswana continues to prove its value not only as a trade fair but as a national economic engine. As it marks its 18th edition, GEB reaffirms its commitment to driving sustainable economic growth and solidifying Botswanaโs place in the global investment landscape.
