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Show expected to achieve further growth

1st September 2017

By: Nica Schreuder

Journalist

     

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The number of exhibitors and visitors taking part in the Electra Mining Botswana exhibition and conference since its inception in 2013 has increased by 17% and 8% respectively, with this year’s event expected to attract further key industry players in the mining, industrial and power generation sectors.

Southern Africa-focused trade show organiser Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, which will host the show in partnership with Botswana-based communications company Soapbox Communications, says all indications point to greater numbers at the 2017 Electra Mining Botswana event, being held from September 12 to 14, at the Gaborone fairgrounds, in Botswana. “Many exhibitors are back for the third time, with many saying the 2015 show exceeded their expectations,” says Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery mining and industrial portfolio director Charlene Hefer.

Electra Mining Botswana is attended by decision-makers, purchasing influencers and industry professionals. The aim of the event is to stimulate business growth in the country and provide export opportunities for South African and other international companies exhibiting at the event that wish to expand their footprint in Botswana.

Electra Mining Botswana provides visitors and exhibitors with a platform from which to network, exchange ideas, share information and develop customer and supplier relationships, while being exposed to the latest technologies, products and services, explains Hefer, highlighting that exhibitors benefit in particular from on-site product sales, the generation of sales leads and by building brand awareness.

Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery decided to invest in Electra Mining Botswana four years ago “to create an environment to support trade and business growth across mining and related industries in Botswana”, says Hefer. The company, subsequently, partnered with Soapbox Communications in the same year, owing to its vast knowledge of the country. “Soapbox Communications has brought great local insight, experience and knowledge to the show,” she enthuses.

Soapbox Communications director Vuyiswa Mojela says working with Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, government and other stakeholders has made it possible “to deliver a first-class trade exhibition that will support and benefit all involved”. As a Botswana-born company having dedicated years to supporting business in the country, Soapbox Communications says it is committed to working with Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery to make a further success of the event and, thus, the country.

The event greatly benefits Botswana, contributing eight-million pula to the national economy, directly and indirectly, through expenditure related to venue hire, the acquisition of products and services, advertising, logistics, travel and accommodation, food and drink, exhibitor expenses and other economic activity by visitors and exhibitors while they attend the event. Hefer adds that Electra Mining Botswana also creates part-time jobs for the duration of the show, as well as promotes economic activity in Botswana’s tourism sector.

The country’s economy is forecast by the International Monetary Fund to grow by 4.5% this year and 4.8% in 2018, in light of rising diamond demand, investment in the country’s water and power sectors, and reforms to improve the public sector’s efficiency and increase private-sector activities. This prediction is an improvement on Botswana Finance Minister Kenneth Matambo’s Budget presentation in February, which estimated that the local economy would grow by 4.2% this year.

The current economic growth of the country is expected to attract a greater number of investors and improve their confidence in time for the Electra Mining Botswana event.

Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery recognises the opportunity for business to grow significantly in Botswana over the next few years and, through its investment in Electra Mining Botswana, believes it is creating an environment that will stimulate trade across the industries its serves, says MD Gary Corin.

Botswana has been ranked as the most attractive economy for those interested in investing in Africa in the Africa Investment Index, which was released in April by independent research partner to African countries Quantum Global Research Lab. Ranking first out of 54 African countries, Botswana scores highly across a range of categories such as credit rating, current account ratio, import cover and ease of doing business.

Commenting on the index in the Africa Investment Review for the second quarter of 2017, associate economist Milton Delo states: “Botswana has a high ranking on the business environment factor, owing to [its] relatively efficient legal and regulatory environment, which is conducive to smooth business operations. Secondly, the country has a relatively low risk profile as depicted by the credit rating, current account ratio and import cover.”

These research findings, along with the country’s projected economic growth, signify future growth potential across industries, says the Africa Investment Index.

Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery notes that leading local and international suppliers to the mining, industrial and power generation sectors have embraced the business growth opportunity that Electra Mining Botswana presents in Botswana.

The Botswana Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security (formerly the Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources) has endorsed Electra Mining Botswana again this year. Support has also come from the Botswana Chamber of Mines and the South African Capital Equipment Export Council.

Edited by Tracy Hancock
Creamer Media Contributing Editor

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