Reaffirming and indeed enhancing its commitment to the local value chain and procurement ecosystem, Okavango Wilderness Safaris (OWS) is set to host its first local Supplier Expo on the 13th of March 2024. The inaugural Supplier Expo will focus on welcoming local, citizen-owned suppliers to exhibit their products and services for possible future collaboration/supply of Wilderness’ 22 camps in Botswana.
“We are a proudly Botswana business and our commitment to Botswana is steadfast. We are passionate about working to not only deliver impact in the hospitality and conservation space, but to working to support the wider value chain and ecosystem of operations these are encapsulated within. For us, this means working to ensure further growth of the local value chain. We want to support more Botswana businesses as suppliers and vendors into our camps, from fresh produce to curios, beverages to clothing, and more. This is what our Supplier Expo series is about, working with local suppliers to strengthen the value chain and unlock opportunity for Botswana businesses”, notes Okavango Wilderness Safaris Caretaker MD, Joe Matome.
The inaugural Supplier Expo will focus on Ceramics (tableware and decorative), Uniform, Linen, Towels, Engine Lubricants, Curios, Amenities, Food and Beverage (including agricultural supplies), Tyres, Bulbs, Toilet Paper, Service for Consolidation (to identify more Services needed and bring together smaller suppliers), and Cleaning Materials. The business invites relevant local enterprises and businesses who are interested to register to attend the expo in advance – by 4 March 2024 – through email to TaperaS@wildernessdestinations.com. Requirements, terms and conditions will be shared for eligible suppliers to then host a stall at the expo, demonstrating their business case and products or services accordingly. The Expo will be hosted at Wilderness’ Maun office, the heart of the Wilderness Botswana operations and will be followed by workshops for eligible suppliers to help align on expectations and quality standards, as well as to support collaborative growth.
“Participation at the expo does not guarantee a contract and all vendors participating will ultimately be assessed according to procurement and quality standards of the business; however, we believe this is an avenue to identify new citizen-owned businesses we can work with as well as proudly Botswana talent and products we can and must celebrate more. To this end we plan to follow up with workshops to bring those that require it up to speed. Here is to growing our tourism ecosystem further and our value chain stronger!” says Joe.