EU-Botswana Business Forum (EBBF) 2023 and the 17th GlobalExpo in Gaborone.

EU-Botswana Business Forum (EBBF)

The EU-Botswana Business Forum (EBBF) was held in Gaborone from October 11th to 12th, 2023, organized by the European Union Delegation to Botswana and SADC in partnership with the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) ¹². The event brought together over 500 European and Botswanan investors and businesses, including business leaders, investors, private sector organizations, chambers of commerce, public institutions, policymakers, and financial institutions ¹. The aim of the forum was to explore new investment and trade opportunities, share experiences, and explore ways to strengthen cooperation between Europe and Botswana ¹.

The forum was held during the annual Global Expo Botswana, the country’s leading trade and investment fair ¹. Participants discussed topics related to business development, industry trends, market opportunities, and special economic development ¹. In addition, guests had the opportunity to participate in business sessions, roundtables, and informative workshops in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, technology, and tourism ¹.

The EBBF was a unique opportunity to network and discuss business and investment issues with audience participation and interaction at each session ¹. 

The objectives of the EBBF were:

1) to boost foreign direct investment in Botswana across all sectors;

2) to diversify exports from Botswana to the EU and other EPA countries; and

3) to raise awareness among European business sectors of the great opportunities offered by Botswana ¹.

The forum was inaugurated by His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of Botswana ³². In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties between Europe and Botswana. He also highlighted the country’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for foreign investment through policies that promote transparency, predictability, and ease of doing business ³.

During the forum’s plenary session on day two, participants discussed ways to promote sustainable development through responsible business practices. The session highlighted the importance of corporate social responsibility in promoting sustainable development in Africa. Participants also discussed ways to promote gender equality in business leadership positions ⁴.

In conclusion, the EU-Botswana Business Forum was a unique opportunity for European and Botswanan investors and businesses to explore new investment and trade opportunities. The event brought together over 500 participants who discussed topics related to business development, industry trends, market opportunities, special economic development. The forum was inaugurated by His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi who emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties between Europe and Botswana. During the plenary session on day two, participants discussed ways to promote sustainable development through responsible business practices. The objectives of the EBBF were: 1) to boost foreign direct investment in Botswana across all sectors; 2) to diversify exports from Botswana to the EU and other EPA countries; and 3) to raise awareness among European business sectors of the great opportunities offered by Botswana.

17th GlobalExpo

The 17th Global Expo Botswana was held from October 11th to 14th, 2023 at the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) in Gaborone, Botswana. The expo brought together multiple sector players and industry leaders in agriculture, education, energy, finance, health, ICT and many other sectors .

The event provided a platform to connect with manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers from around the world, presenting a wide range of products such as electronics, appliances, furniture, agriculture, jewelry, fashion, and household items . The expo was attended by over 5000 visitors and had more than 200 exhibitors ¹. The event was organized by the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) .

References:

• ¹: “EU-Botswana Business Forum (EBBF) 11-12 October 2023 | EEAS Delegation of the European Union to Botswana and SADC.” EEAS Website. Accessed October 25th, 2023. https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/botswana/eu-botswana-business-forum-ebbf-11-12-october-2023_en?s=85.
• ²: “EU-Botswana Business Forum 2023.” Embassy of Botswana in Brussels. Accessed October 25th, 2023. https://botswana-brussels.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ebbf-intro-updated-July-23.pdf.
• ³: “EU-BOTSWANA BUSINESS FORUM (EBBF).” Embassy of Botswana in Brussels. Accessed October 25th, 2023. https://botswana-brussels.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ONE-PAGER_Final_V3.pdf.
• ⁴: “EU-Botswana Business Forum 2023 | EEAS Delegation of the European Union to Botswana and SADC.” EEAS Website. Accessed October 25th, 2023. https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/botswana/eu-botswana-business-forum-2023_en?s=85.

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