The Okavango is gearing up to offer more than its famed wildlife with the launch of the inaugural Okavango International Beef & Fish Festival (OIBFF). Scheduled for September 25 and 26 in Shakawe, the festival aims to blend food, culture, tourism, and business in a unique celebration.
This annual event seeks to highlight the people, cuisine, heritage, and economic opportunities of the Okavango region while promoting Botswana as a prime destination for culinary tourism, agribusiness, cultural exchange, investment, and sustainable community development.
OIBFF spokesperson Keabetswe Kutupura explained that the festival was created to reveal the richness of the Okavango beyond its globally renowned wildlife and natural beauty.
“While the Okavango Delta has earned global recognition as one of the world’s greatest tourism destinations, we believe the people of the Okavango should equally become known for their exceptional beef production, freshwater fish, hospitality, culinary traditions, cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit,” he said.
Kutupura emphasized that the festival’s purpose goes beyond entertainment by providing a platform where different sectors of the economy can come together.
He added that the event would unite tourism, agriculture, fisheries, business, culture, education, and community empowerment under one initiative.
The festival is also expected to give local producers, entrepreneurs, and communities a chance to showcase their products and services while forging connections with visitors, businesses, and potential investors.
Looking ahead, Kutupura said the organisers aim to establish OIBFF as Botswana’s leading culinary and cultural tourism event, gaining international recognition.
They envision the festival standing alongside some of the world’s most famous destination events, such as Oktoberfest in Munich, the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Rio Carnival in Brazil, Taste of Chicago in the United States, Salon International de l’Agriculture in Paris, and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in South Africa.
With the Okavango already firmly planted on the global tourism map, organisers believe this festival can add a new dimension to the region’s appeal; showcasing its food, people, culture, and economic potential to the world stage.