Okavango Wilderness Safaris (OWS) has announced the return of its flagship Local Supplier Expo, set to take place from 26–27 June 2025 in Maun. Now in its second year, the Expo stands as a testament to OWS’s enduring commitment to building a sustainable tourism value chain anchored in citizen economic empowerment, inclusive procurement, and transformational partnerships. More than an event, the Expo reflects OWS’s belief that partnering for progress – by investing in local suppliers and fostering shared growth – is fundamental to building a thriving, resilient tourism economy rooted in local ownership.
Following the success of its inaugural edition in 2024, the 2025 Expo now evolves into a dynamic two-day experience intentionally designed to unlock long-term value for local enterprises. On Day One, shortlisted vendors and exhibitors will directly present their products and services to OWS, engaging in real-time assessments aligned to pre-determined procurement criteria. This process not only strengthens transparency and accountability in supplier selection, but offers immediate access to opportunity for citizen-led businesses.
Day Two will focus on capacity-building and knowledge exchange – with curated workshops, deep-dive sessions, and tailored mentoring designed to help vendors understand and navigate the OWS procurement ecosystem. More than just information-sharing, this day is about equipping the identified citizen suppliers with the insights, tools, and confidence needed to grow competitively and sustainably – both within and beyond the OWS network.
Caretaker Managing Director, Joe Matome, reflected on the deeper purpose behind the Expo, noting “At OWS, we believe that responsible tourism must go hand-in-hand with local empowerment. Our Local Supplier Expo is not just a procurement initiative – it is a platform for partnership, growth, and inclusion. We are proud to be creating space for Batswana entrepreneurs to showcase their capabilities and to access the tools and relationships that will help them thrive”.
He added, “True progress lies in partnership. When we collaborate with citizen-owned businesses who align with our values of excellence, sustainability, and community upliftment, we don’t just strengthen our supply chain – we help build an economy that reflects and rewards the potential of our people”.
The Local Supplier Expo is a core expression of OWS’s broader mission to support conservation economies – economies where local people are not just participants, but co-creators of sustainable futures. Through initiatives like this, Wilderness continues to invest in ecosystems of impact, advancing both conservation tourism and inclusive economic development across the value chain.
