Trade Up North

Trade Up North Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Trade Up North, Advertising/Marketing, P. O. Box 53597, Broadhurst.
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Trade Up North held annually in Francistown, Botswana, presents the latest technologies and equipment, services, machinery for Mining, Manufacturing and Construction Industries.

The Aims.....The aims for Trade Up North 2026 are simple and outcome-focused. Primary objectives are threefold:1. Conver...
08/06/2026

The Aims.....

The aims for Trade Up North 2026 are simple and outcome-focused.

Primary objectives are threefold:

1. Convert opportunity into contracts – Through the Deal Room, we’re pre-matching Batswana SMEs in mining, manufacturing, and construction with buyers from government, SOEs, and private sector. The goal is meetings that lead to tenders, and tenders that lead to business.

2. Build supplier readiness – The conference will demystify procurement, compliance, standards, and financing. SMEs can’t compete if they don’t understand the buyer’s requirements. We’re bringing in technical experts to give practical, ‘how-to’ guidance, not just policy talk.

3. Drive diversification through innovation – Aligned with the theme "Navigating Botswana’s Diversified Future: Mining, Innovation and Growth", we’re spotlighting SMEs that are moving from trading to manufacturing and value addition. The exhibition gives them a platform to showcase products and solutions that reduce imports and strengthen local supply chains.

Overall, Trade Up North 2026 is not about attendance numbers. It’s about creating a pipeline where local businesses are visible, qualified, and ready to participate in Botswana’s diversified economy.

This year, Trade Up North Conference and Exhibition 10th Anniversary will be officially opened by His Excellency the President of Botswana, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko.

📍 Cresta Marang Gardens Hotel, Francistown, Botswana | 23rd July 2026
Register Now at: www.tradeupnorth.co.bw

Speaker Announcement 🎤We’re proud to announce Shamiso Fred, VP Southern Africa at 'All Africa Association of Small and M...
07/06/2026

Speaker Announcement 🎤

We’re proud to announce Shamiso Fred, VP Southern Africa at 'All Africa Association of Small and Medium Enterprises' (AAASME).

Topic:
“Ubuntu Susu Continental SME Fund: Unlocking Capital for Botswana’s Contractors in Mining, Manufacturing & Construction Value Chains."

Shamiso will break down how the new Ubuntu Susu Fund is structured to get working capital and project finance into the hands of Botswana contractors and SMEs across the 3 highest-growth sectors.

If you’re a contractor, manufacturer, or supplier looking to scale with real funding behind you, this session is for you. Limited slots. Secure yours now.

This year, Trade Up North Conference and Exhibition 10th Anniversary will be officially opened by His Excellency the President of Botswana, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko,

📍 Cresta Marang Gardens Hotel, Francistown, Botswana | 23rd July 2026
Register Now at: www.tradeupnorth.co.bw


The Lessons....Every 10-year journey comes with lessons, and we’ve had our share.Three major challenges stand out: 1. Sh...
07/06/2026

The Lessons....

Every 10-year journey comes with lessons, and we’ve had our share.

Three major challenges stand out:

1. Shifting SME mindset from visibility to readiness – Early on, many suppliers saw exhibitions as marketing. The challenge was getting businesses to understand that buyers want compliance, capacity, and documentation, not just a brochure. We had to invest heavily in education so SMEs could show up ready for commercial conversations.

2. Bridging the trust gap with buyers – Large buyers and contractors have procurement standards and risk concerns. Convincing them that Batswana SMEs could deliver consistently took time. We overcame this by curating the meeting room carefully, bringing in credible companies, and letting performance build trust year after year.

3. Funding sustainability – As a platform focused on outcomes, not just attendance, the costs are higher. Curated meetings and bringing the right buyers in costs money. Balancing affordability for SMEs while delivering a professional platform has been an ongoing challenge. Partnerships with government and corporate sponsors have been key to keeping it viable.

The upside of these challenges is that they forced us to refine the model. Each one pushed Trade Up North to be less of an event, and more of a development platform. The challenges made us better.

Trade Up North Mining, Manufacturing and Construction Conference & Exhibition will be officially opened by H.E. The President of Botswana, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko.

📍 23rd July 2026 Cresta Marang Gardens Hotel, Francistown
🔗 For Registration: +267 74181955 | or www.tradeupnorth.co.bw

The Impact....The impact has been about moving SMEs from the waiting room into the boardroom.Over the years, Trade Up No...
06/06/2026

The Impact....

The impact has been about moving SMEs from the waiting room into the boardroom.

Over the years, Trade Up North has given citizen-owned enterprises three things they were missing: access, information, and confidence. Putting them in direct, scheduled meetings with buyers from mining, manufacturing, construction, and government. Information through the conference — demystifying procurement, compliance, and standards so they know what it actually takes to qualify. And confidence that comes from seeing peers win contracts and return as established suppliers.

The result is that we’ve seen businesses evolve from one-man operations with a stall, to companies that are now on vendor databases, delivering on tenders, and hiring more Batswana. The real impact isn’t just leads collected at the event. It’s the SMEs that leave understanding the buyer’s language, and buyers that leave trusting local capacity.

For us, success is measured when an SME no longer sees Trade Up North as their only opportunity — because they’ve graduated into the supply chain.

Trade Up North Mining, Manufacturing and Construction Conference & Exhibition will be officially opened by H.E. The President of Botswana, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko.

📍 23rd July 2026 Cresta Marang Gardens Hotel, Francistown
🔗 For Registration: +267 74181955 | or http://www.tradeupnorth.co.bw

🎤 SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT | Trade Up North Conference and Exhibition 10th Anniversary will be officially opened by His Exce...
05/06/2026

🎤 SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT | Trade Up North Conference and Exhibition 10th Anniversary will be officially opened by His Excellency the President of Botswana, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko,

We’re honored to welcome Mr Dosman Mangisi, Secretary General of the Junior Chamber of Miners Zimbabwe, to Francistown.

Based in Bulawayo, Dosman has spent years working directly with miners and industry. His experience runs through the Zimbabwe Institute of Foundries, Zimbabwe Miners Federation, and ZMF. He understands mining from the ground up - from artisanal pits to formal supply chains.

His topic:
“From Extraction to Empowerment: Revolutionizing Mining and Minerals for Inclusive Socio-Economic Development in Botswana”

As Botswana builds an economy beyond diamonds, Dosman will share hard lessons from Zimbabwe on how to turn minerals into real wealth for citizens.

He’ll break down:
1. From pit to company - How small-scale miners organized into formal, bankable businesses
2. Beyond raw ore - Accessing finance, markets, and local beneficiation opportunities
3. Policy that works - What Botswana can adapt to make mining truly inclusive for SMEs & citizens

If you’re a contractor, supplier, or aspiring mine owner in the North, this is where cross-border wisdom meets local opportunity.

Welcome to Trade Up North, Mr Mangisi. Let’s revolutionize mining together.

📍 23rd July 2026 | Cresta Marang Gardens Hotel, Francistown
🔗 For Registration: +267 74181955 | or go to the website.

The inspiration behind Trade Up North.Trade Up North was inspired by what SMEs kept telling us 10 years ago: ‘We have ca...
04/06/2026

The inspiration behind Trade Up North.

Trade Up North was inspired by what SMEs kept telling us 10 years ago: ‘We have capacity, but we can’t get in the room with the buyer.’

The gap was access, not ambition. In mining, manufacturing, and construction, procurement was happening, projects were active, but Batswana suppliers struggled to understand specifications, compliance requirements, and who actually made the buying decisions. Trade fairs gave visibility, but not commercial traction.

So we set out to build a platform that closes that distance. One that brings the buyer and supplier to the same table, with the right information, ahead of tenders. The idea was simple: if we match capability to opportunity, and add practical guidance on how to meet standards, then local businesses can compete and win contracts.

That’s still the gap we’re addressing today — turning procurement into participation for local SMEs.

Trade Up North 10th Anniversary will be officially opened by His Excellency the President, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko,

Tomorrow is *Day 3*, I'll tell you about, 'OUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT! STAY TUNED.....

SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENTWe’re honored to host Dr. Never Tshabang, Chief Executive Officer, Botswana Energy Regulatory Author...
04/06/2026

SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT

We’re honored to host Dr. Never Tshabang, Chief Executive Officer, Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority - BERA at the 10th Anniversary Trade Up North Conference & Exhibition.

Topic:
“The Next 10 Years: Regulating Botswana’s Energy Transition to Support Mining & Industrialisation Beyond Diamonds”

As Botswana moves beyond diamonds, energy becomes the foundation of every mine, factory, and construction project in the North. Mr Tshabang will share BERA’s regulatory roadmap for the next decade.

What you’ll learn in his session:
1. Current State - Power demand vs supply for mining & industrial loads in Northern Botswana. Where the gaps are and what it means for expansion plans.
2. Regulation Updates - IPP licensing, wheeling, solar + storage rules. How new BERA regulations open doors for businesses to generate, trade, and save on power.
3. Call to Action - What BERA needs from mines, manufacturers, and contractors to hit CEEP targets and build a citizen-owned energy sector.

Why this matters for SMEs:
If your business depends on electricity - and every business does - this is where you hear what tariffs, licensing, and energy policy will look like for the next 10 years. Come with questions. Leave with a plan.

Trade Up North 10th Anniversary will be officially opened by His Excellency the President, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko.

📍 23rd July 2026 | Cresta Marang Gardens Hotel, Francistown
🔗 For Registration: +267 74181955 | or go to the website.
Www.tradeupnorth.co.bw

Official Sponsor Announcement: Botswana Energy Regulatory AuthorityWe’re proud to announce Botswana Energy Regulatory Au...
04/06/2026

Official Sponsor Announcement: Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority

We’re proud to announce Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority - BERA as an Official Sponsor of the 10th Annual Trade Up North Mining, Manufacturing & Construction Conference & Exhibition.

Why BERA matters for Botswana:
BERA regulates and licenses Botswana’s electricity sector. They set tariffs, approve IPPs, and ensure our mines, factories, and businesses have reliable, cost-reflective power. Without energy security, there is no mining. Without fair tariffs, there is no manufacturing growth. BERA is literally powering Botswana’s diversification beyond diamonds.

What SMEs can expect from BERA at Trade Up North:
1. Clarity on tariffs - How electricity pricing works and what affects your monthly bill
2. IPPs & Solar - How small businesses can become Independent Power Producers or install solar + storage for your own operations
3. Wheeling rules - The new regulations that let you buy power directly from generators
4. Energy efficiency - Practical ways to cut costs and meet mine ESG requirements

If you supply mines, run a factory, or build infrastructure, BERA’s sessions are where you’ll learn how to power your growth.

Trade Up North 10th Anniversary will be officially opened by His Excellency the President, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko,

📍 23rd July 2026 | Cresta Marang Gardens Hotel, Francistown
🔗 For Registration: +267 74181955 | or go to the website.

We’re proud to announce Morupule Coal Mine as a Sponsor for Trade Up North 2026 🔥🇧🇼As Botswana drives economic diversifi...
04/06/2026

We’re proud to announce Morupule Coal Mine as a Sponsor for Trade Up North 2026 🔥🇧🇼

As Botswana drives economic diversification beyond diamonds, Morupule Coal Mine is stepping up to create real opportunities for local SMEs.

At Trade Up North 2026, Morupule will share:
- Upcoming procurement and supply opportunities for SMEs in mining, engineering, logistics & services
- How local businesses can plug into their value chain and meet supplier development requirements
- The role of coal and energy in powering Botswana’s industrial growth

This is your chance to hear directly from one of the country’s key energy and mining players and position your business for contracts and partnerships.

Trade Up North 10th Anniversary will be officially opened by His Excellency the President, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko,

📍 23rd July 2026
📍 Cresta Marang Gardens Hotel, Francistown

🎯 Focus: Mining, Manufacturing & Construction

If you’re an SME looking to supply, partner, or grow with Morupule and other key buyers, register now.

📲 Contact: +267 74181955
🔗 Limited exhibition and Deal Room slots available

Address

P. O. Box 53597
Broadhurst
0000

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