Sefalana Holdings has used the opening of the 19th Botswana Consumer Fair (BCF) to call for deeper collaboration between established companies and emerging enterprises, arguing that stronger local supply chains are critical to building a more competitive economy.
Speaking as guest of honour at the official opening of the fair on Monday, Sefalana Group Managing Director Chandra Chauhan said large businesses have a responsibility to create pathways for smaller enterprises to access markets, develop capabilities and grow.
“Our responsibility as established businesses is to create pathways that allow emerging businesses to develop capability, build confidence and access markets,” Chauhan said.
The retail executive said citizen empowerment and enterprise development should not be viewed merely as social obligations but as important drivers of economic growth. Chauhan used Sefalana’s own expansion story to illustrate the importance of partnerships across the value chain. He said the company’s growth from a wholesale operation into one of Botswana’s largest diversified businesses had been built on relationships with customers, suppliers, employees and communities.
Chauhan said businesses must continue investing in innovation, efficiency and customer experience as consumers become more informed and technology reshapes the retail landscape.
He noted that every product reaching consumers depends on a network of farmers, manufacturers, distributors, logistics providers, retailers and service providers, highlighting the interconnected nature of Botswana’s economy. The remarks come at a time when the government is increasingly focused on citizen economic participation and local procurement as tools for stimulating domestic industry. Chauhan said businesses must continue investing in innovation, efficiency and customer experience as consumers become more informed and technology reshapes the retail landscape.
The Botswana Consumer Fair, now in its 19th edition, has evolved into one of the country’s largest business exhibitions, attracting more than 36,000 visitors and over 550 exhibitors annually. Fairground Holdings CEO Gorata Gabaraane said the event itself contributes to enterprise development by intentionally procuring goods and services from local small and medium-sized businesses, creating opportunities for skills development and job creation.
The fair has expanded beyond traditional exhibitions through initiatives such as the Traders Hub, Tourism Pavilion and the newly introduced Taste & Sip Village. For business leaders attending the week-long event, Chauhan said the message was clear: long-term economic growth will depend on stronger partnerships, investment in people and deliberate efforts to integrate more citizen-owned businesses into established value chains.
“Successful businesses are built on partnerships,” he said, urging companies to continue supporting entrepreneurship and creating sustainable opportunities for local enterprises.
