_{BITRI’s Elliot Kablay demonstrating the Morabaraba game to pupils. The game can be played on mobile devices and personal computers, and with internet connectivity, by two different players in different geographical locations.}

BITRI participated in the Business Botswana Northern Trade Fair that was held in Francistown from 23^rd – 27^th May 2018. The fair, in its 24^th year, provided exhibitors with an opportunity to actively promote their businesses and network. Held under the theme “Is tourism Botswana’s hope amidst dwindling mining fortunes?” the gathering is a platform for exposure for the city of Francistown. BITRI participated with the twin goals of promoting the Morabaraba, Signcoach and mhele games   as well as sensitizing stakeholders about opportunities for partnerships and collaborations.

In the Official Opening Remarks, Okavango Diamond Company Managing Director, Mr Marcus Ter Haar implored the business community to come up with new concepts of doing business.

Mr Ter Haar said, although he agreed with the general proposition of the theme, mining was still a viable and profitable venture, and urged businesspeople explore and exploit opportunities, including those in the mining value chain.

“Though tourism is the new engine of economic growth, there is still a new sense of confidence in the mining industry, particularly in the diamond industry. There is still potential on diamonds given the high demand of the precious stone globally,” added Mr Ter Haar.

Given the context of the advent of synthetic diamonds, Mr Ter Haar said authentic diamonds, had a premium of over 40% over synthetic diamonds, and the market still preferred authentic diamonds over the synthetic type. Mr Ter Haar impressed upon the delegates to add value to the economy by creating new business ventures through effective use of knowledge, passion, dreams and desires, thereby, enhancing the standing of their enterprises and that of the country within the global economy.

The fair attracted one hundred and twenty (120) exhibitors amongst them Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), insurance companies, service industry, tourism enterprises, parastatals, and Government departments. The event was organised and coordinated by Business Botswana.