By: Annakleta Haikera
Vice President Lucia Witbooi, during the official opening of the 8th Rundu Annual Trade Fair (RATF) on Tuesday, highlighted the importance of platforms that drive economic growth and community development.
“The Rundu Annual Trade Fair stands as a practical embodiment of these goals. It provides a vital platform for small, medium, and large enterprises to display their products, attract investment, and build networks that strengthen our local and national economies. It is here where creativity meets opportunity and where communities come together to shape their future,” Witbooi said.
She described Rundu as not only the commercial hub and capital of the Kavango East Region, but also one of Namibia’s fastest-growing towns and a gateway for commerce and cooperation.
“Strategically located along the mighty Kavango River and neighbouring the Angolan town of Calai, the town’s potential in agribusiness, tourism, culture, logistics, housing, fisheries, renewable energy, and manufacturing is vast,” she said, adding that “with continued investments, Rundu can become a regional hub of trade and development that benefits not only the people of this region, but the entire Namibian nation.”
Witbooi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that drive economic development at the grassroots level.
“Through platforms like the Rundu Annual Trade Fair, we strengthen local economies, promote entrepreneurship, create employment, and stimulate cross-border trade. These are the building blocks of resilience, prosperity, and national unity,” she indicated.
She concluded by urging the business community to seize the opportunities presented by the Trade Fair.
“Let us innovate, collaborate, and invest in the industries that will transform our economy and improve the livelihoods of our families and people,” Witbooi noted.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of the RATF, Fransiska Kupembona, shared that this year, the main exhibition hall is filled to capacity, occupied mainly by corporate companies, financial institutions, institutions of higher learning, and several government ministries – including the Office of the Regional Governor.
Due to increased demand, Kupembona said the Council organised additional facilities, such as framed tents which accommodated about 28 exhibitors, particularly SMEs. She added that there are also displays around the trade fair grounds where businesses brought their own stalls, tents and display materials.
“The strategic location of Rundu as the gateway to the Kavango East Region and other areas within Namibia and beyond the country’s borders further solidifies its significance as a centre for economic activities, making it an encouraging destination for tourists and other visitors alike,” she explained.
This year’s trade fair is being held under the theme ‘Empowering Enterprises for Sustainable Growth,’ which Kupembona states resonates well with the participation of the people in the region.
“We expect them to come and learn, exchange ideas, expand their business networks, and build lasting contacts,” she indicated.
Kupembona noted that the theme also reflects the commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs, particularly youth and women, to participate in the region’s economic development.
“Our entertainment area is the place to be – especially in the afternoons – to quench our thirst, dance to our favourite music, and enjoy a variety of delicacies. There will be a line-up of local artists in the evening from Wednesday up to the last day, Saturday,” Kupembona mentioned.
For the 2025 edition, nearly 200 exhibitors are participating, up from about 150 last year – a demonstration of increasing demand and relevance.
The fair is scheduled for 24 October to 1 November 2025, offering a week of business, culture, networking, and investment promotion.
Despite targets set beforehand, organisers acknowledged a fundraising shortfall this year, with about N$552,900 raised compared to over N$900,000 last year. Nevertheless, the commitment remains strong to leverage the event as a key driver for trade, innovation and regional growth.
