Earlier this year, the BMC was accredited to export beef to the UAE following negotiations that were conducted at the Expo. It was also revealed that plans are also underway to complete accreditation of the BMC Maun abattoir to also gain access to the UAE and the GCC countries within 2023. BITC CEO, Keletsositse Olebile said Botswana's participation at Expo 2020 has created numerous investment opportunities for economic cooperation and has also increased awareness of the country's brand. “The successful exporting of local products serves as key platform to branding the country as it creates awareness of the country, what it has to offer and cements a positive connection with the country as people enjoy its products,” he said.
This also means that the local beef now has a new market, and BMC's successful export of premium-quality meat demonstrates Botswana's commitment to leveraging its presence on the world stage. Since the Expo, the BITC has been working tirelessly to bring these opportunities to fruition. So far, the state-owned investment authority has facilitated the establishment of eight companies in the diamond-cutting and polishing industry, which have as a result generated 368 jobs and attracted investments totalling P182.9 million.
The country’s investment and export development lead agency had earlier reported having picked investment leads worth millions of pula at the Dubai expo including an expression of interest by some companies including Sheetal Diamond Company which now has a local operation base. Government spent P10 million in the Dubai Expo participation. “These achievements demonstrate Botswana's commitment to using platforms such as World Expos as a platform for economic growth, building international partnerships, and showcasing its high-quality products on the global market,” Olebile added. Other companies that were reported to have shown interest included Al Rawabi Diary as well as Dubai Multi Commodity Company, which has pledged to support Botswana and ensure that the Emirates introduces direct flights to Botswana .
Lilavati Hospital, a top Indian healthcare provider was said to have expressed interest in investing in a hospital in Botswana with high-tech machinery and doctors while Advika Jungle Villas showed interest in helping Africa’s economic diversification. Locally made goods were also sold at the Kiosk over the six-month Expo.
