FOUNDER OF AFRIGETAWAY-TRANSFORMING TRAVEL EXPERIENCES INTO IMMERSIVE CREATIVE JOURNEYS

Bakang Emmanuel Keimetswe is a forward-thinking entrepreneur spearheading the creative tourism movement. In 2015, he co-founded Afrigetaway Pty Ltd, driven by his love for travel, art, and community engagement. As the CEO, Bakang has steered the company towards its mission of transforming travel experiences into immersive creative journeys. Through Afrigetaway, travellers have the opportunity to connect with local artists, artisans, and cultural experts, unlocking authentic and hands-on experiences in various destinations.

Beyond his professional endeavours, Bakang is a devoted father, husband, brother, and friend. Embracing the belief that collaboration leads to far-reaching success while individual efforts yield quick results, he is a social entrepreneur dedicated to making a positive impact on local communities. Bakang is committed to not only generating profits but also contributing to the greater good, aligning his values with the pursuit of zero poverty and zero hunger, and actively supporting such impactful ideologies.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST VENTURE INTO TOURISM, AND HOW DID IT HAPPEN?
I first ventured into tourism in 2015, after I completed my Animal Health Degree and returned home to Botswana. Having stayed in Scotland for 5 years of schooling and travelled both the UK and Europe, one question kept bothering me: ‘How did they achieve commercialization of their culture?’ This question continued to bother me until I decided to actively act, making it my ‘WHY’ which to create a company that co-creates with local communities, with the goals being preservation of culture and heritage and extrapolating the value from the creative industry to cause a trickledown effect in the economy, as well as inclusion of the less fortunate or disadvantaged people through creative tourism.

IS THERE ANY MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE THAT MADE YOU REALISE YOU WERE MEANT TO BE IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY?
It was the time when I saw myself seeing the potential that Botswana and Africa at large have in respect to creative tourism as I kept seeing opportunities.

WHAT WORK EXPERIENCES HAVE YOU HAD THATT PREPARED YOU FOR THE TOURISM INDUSTRY?
I founded a couple of companies before in a couple of industries, which gave me multiple challenges. I have experienced both success and failure. It was through this character-building journey that I gained the necessary tools to be innovative. I believe it is the failures that provide you with the wisdom needed to achieve what you desire.

WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU ENCOUNTER THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER? 
The most prevailing challenge I have encountered in my career was the national marketing strategy of ‘low volume, high value’ which limited the potential of creative tourism. We need more funds to be availed for capacity-building projects nation-wide so we may commercialise our heritage and culture in co-creation with local communities. Due to this, we find it difficult to take advantage of existing opportunities as our local communities are not equipped.

WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED AT ALL TIMES?
Motivation is overrated. I created a vision, and I hold myself accountable for the realisation of the vision. My vision is rooted in my love to directly impact people’s lives in a positive manner. If at all I am to mention a motivating factor, it will have to be death; eventually, we die. As a popular speaker said, “When you die, die empty”.

WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME OF YOUR BUSINESS? WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION?
The story behind Afrigetaway is having one institute that houses the different African countries, reviving love for Africa, and thus together changing the narrative of Africa by Africans.

WHAT’S THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
It is being able to have the opportunity to realize your vision.

WHAT WAS YOUR MISSION WHEN ESTABLISHING YOUR BUSINESS?
My mission was to commercialise heritage and culture.

WHAT STANDS OUT MOST ABOUT YOUR SERVICES?
We pride ourselves on ensuring that we provide our services with a personal touch and give a local feel of a destination.

WHAT INFLUENCED THE CHOICE OF LOCATION FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
We intend on being a virtual-operated business still in transition, so location was not a factor.

WHAT DO YOU WISH TO ACCOMPLISH IN THE NEXT 3 YEARS OF YOUR BUSINESS?
We desire in 3 years for our phone app and website to have penetrated the SADC market and sell creative tourism through these mediums as one.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER NEWLY EMERGING ENTREPRENEURS IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY?
Discipline, persistence, and resilience is what is most needed to breakthrough the tourism industry. Play hard, work hard, and, most importantly, collaboration is key.