Francistown, Botswana – Trade Up North, Botswana’s leading platform for SME growth and regional trade, will introduce its first-ever Deal Room at the 2026 edition, taking place 23rd of July at Cresta Marang Gardens Hotel, Francistown.
The Deal Room is a curated, high-intensity matchmaking platform designed to connect funding-ready and project-ready citizen-owned companies directly with investors, development finance institutions, mines, contractors, and government buyers from across SADC.
What happens in the Deal Room
Participating SMEs will have pre-scheduled 1-on-1 meetings with financiers and buyers actively seeking bankable projects in manufacturing, mining services, cleantech, agriculture, and infrastructure. The sessions are structured to move companies beyond pitch decks into concrete procurement and investment discussions.
Eligible companies must be registered in Botswana, demonstrate operational capacity, and present a clear project or product ready for market or financing. Applications will be screened to ensure readiness and alignment with buyer needs.
Free participation for citizen-owned companies
In support of citizen economic empowerment, Trade Up North 2026 is offering free exhibition stalls to 100% citizen-owned companies selected for the Deal Room. Other companies may participate at a fee of BWP 5,000. Conference-only delegate passes are available at BWP 3,000.
High-level participation confirmed
The event will be graced by senior government leaders driving Botswana’s trade and infrastructure agenda, including:
- Hon. Tiroeaona Ntsima, Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship
- Hon. Salakae, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure
- Hon. Mohwasa, Minister of State President
Key institutions including Botswana Railways and the Botswana Bureau of Standards will participate in sessions focused on transport logistics, standards compliance, and unlocking regional value chains.
Continental financing spotlight
Trade Up North 2026 will also introduce Botswana to the Ubuntu Susu Fund, a continental SME financing initiative being rolled out by the All Africa Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (AAASME). The fund is designed to improve access to capital for contractors and tech-enabled SMEs across Africa.
Trade Up North has always been about turning conversations into contracts. With the Deal Room, we are making it easier for citizen-owned companies to sit across the table from the people who can fund, buy, and scale their businesses.
Registration now open
Botswana companies interested in the Deal Room and Free stall can register at www.tradeupnorth.co.bw or contact the Trade Up North team at +267 74181955. Applications close 30 June 2026, or when capacity is reached.
About Trade Up North
Trade Up North is an annual trade and investment platform that connects SMEs, corporates, government, and financiers across SADC. Now in its 10th year, the event focuses on practical deal-making, policy dialogue, and market access for African businesses.
**** Vuyiswa Mojela is the Director of SOAPBOX COMMUNICATIONS, you may also contact him through email on vuyiswamojela@gmail.com ***