Okavango Wilderness Safaris (OWS) has invested P6.5 million in new business just two months after its successful inaugural Supplier Expo, which invited citizen-owned businesses to showcase their goods and services.

Speaking at a recent stakeholder update, OWS caretaker managing director Joe Matome reported that following the Expo, where 110 vendors gathered in Maun, many have been added to the tourism group's supplier database for procurement and engagement.

Matome stated that Wilderness expects the Expo to become an annual event, enhancing the inclusion of citizen-owned businesses in the tourism ecosystem. Held in March, the Expo was part of OWS's efforts to increase its local community impact by boosting procurement from local suppliers and supporting national priorities of citizen enterprise and value chain development. From 2013 to 2023, OWS spent P1.3 billion procuring goods and services from local suppliers, maintaining an average local procurement rate of 85% over that period. In addition to vendors, the Expo attracted commercial banks, the National Development Bank, the Local Enterprise Authority, the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency, the Mindset Change team, Pusha BW, and the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre.

Meanwhile, Matome mentioned that Wilderness is working to ensure a strong first quarter of 2024 in terms of product, engagement, and planning for the reopening of refurbished camps, including Tubu Tree and Little Tubu. As the peak tourism period approaches, Wilderness remains committed to delivering on its purpose.