By: Loise Shiimi
The Ongwediva Trade Fair drew 450 exhibitors this year, including 26 international participants from countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Botswana, and South Africa.
Speaking at the event, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah pointed out the significance of this growth, noting that it showcases the potential for other trade fairs and exhibitions across the country to attract international participants. This aligns with efforts to promote regional and continental integration in accordance with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“I am pleased to announce that this Trade Fair will host Business-to-Business (B2B) matchmaking sessions designed to facilitate knowledge exchange, benchmarking, and the sharing of best practices between South African and Namibian entrepreneurs,” she stated.
Regarding the expected outcomes of these engagements, she expressed the importance of translating discussions into tangible results that would foster shared development.
“I am confident that the participation of our international exhibitors at this fair will enhance people-to-people connections, trade, and valuable exchanges, ultimately broadening our economic landscape,” she remarked.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah also took note of the local exhibitors, expressing her satisfaction that 70% of this year’s participants are women and 60% are youth. She highlighted that these statistics represent more than numbers; they reflect the empowerment opportunities the Trade Fair provides for women and young people in shaping the nation’s economic future.
“I commend women and youth for their entrepreneurial spirit, courage, creativity, and innovation. However, I also call on men to follow suit, I want no one to be left behind,” she encouraged.
Moreover, she noted that the Trade Fair serves not only as an exhibition venue, but also as a hub for enterprise development, policy dialogue, and investment opportunities.
“Indeed, the Trade Fair embodies our national aspirations, providing a platform where our ambitions for economic diversification, inclusive growth, and sustainable development come to fruition. This year’s theme, ‘Innovate, Connect, Prosper,’ resonates with the essence of the national economic transformation journey we have embarked upon,” she added.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah further described the theme as a call to action and a guiding principle for collective efforts towards sustainable economic growth, development, and shared prosperity.
“The Trade Fair creates opportunities for businesses across regions, sectors, and countries to showcase their innovations, connect with markets, and explore partnerships. I urge you all to leverage this platform to its fullest potential,” she motivated.
In addition, the governor of the Oshana region, Hofni Iipinge, remarked that over the years, the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair has evolved into more than just an exhibition; it has become an economic engine for our region and nation.
“Through this platform, local entrepreneurs gain visibility, small and medium enterprises find new markets, and our youth are inspired to innovate and seize business opportunities,” he noted.
He also observed that the hospitality, transport, retail, and service industries in Ongwediva and surrounding towns experience a significant boost during the fair, demonstrating that trade transcends mere transactions; it uplifts communities and creates livelihoods.
