By: Peneyambeko Jonas
The Ongwediva Trade Fair is facing a shortage of exhibition space, with more than 1,417 businesses unable to participate this year despite applying for space.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the 25th edition of the trade fair received 1,872 applications, but only 455 exhibitors could be accommodated because of the centre’s current capacity.
This left 1,417 applicants without exhibition space.
She called on the Ongwediva Town Council, private sector and other stakeholders to work together to mobilise resources for the expansion of the trade fair centre.
“It is therefore important that Ongwediva Town Council, together with the private sector and all relevant stakeholders, need to work together to mobilise resources for the expansion and continued improvement of the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre,” she said.
The President said the expansion is necessary to ensure that the infrastructure matches the demand created by the annual event.
The shortage of space comes as the trade fair continues to attract businesses, entrepreneurs and international exhibitors looking for markets, customers and business connections.
“The success of the Ongwediva Trade Fair has outgrown its present facilities,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said during the official opening of the fair on Sunday.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the Ongwediva Trade Fair should not only be viewed as an annual event but should contribute to wider economic activity by helping businesses connect to markets and grow.
She further proposed that the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre develop into a year-round hub for trade, business events, entrepreneurship and investment.
“The Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre should progressively develop into a year-round hub for trade, business events, entrepreneurship and investment engagement,” she said.
She said the digital platform launched in 2026 could also allow exhibitor profiles, products and business information to remain accessible after the physical fair ends.
The shortage of space is also affecting opportunities for small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs that depend on exhibitions to introduce their products to new customers.
Taimi Shivute of Tuno Foods, one of the exhibitors, told Eagle Media House that she has been participating in the Ongwediva Trade Fair for four years.
Shivute said her connection with the fair started when she was a child, when her parents took her to the event.
She now returns as an exhibitor selling locally produced Namibian products.
The participation of local producers is important because trade fairs provide businesses with an opportunity to display products, meet customers, study competitors and establish business contacts.
Albertina Uusiku from the Namibia Tourism Board told Eagle Media House that the participation of international exhibitors also creates opportunities for economic and business exchange.
She said exhibitors from countries such as South Africa, Tanzania, Ghana, Angola and others allow Namibian businesses to exchange ideas and explore products and markets beyond the country.
Uusiku said Namibian entrepreneurs could learn from products and business practices in other countries, while international exhibitors could also gain access to Namibian products.
Oshana Regional Governor Hofni Iipinge said the value of the trade fair should be measured not only by the number of visitors, but by whether businesses leave with better information, connections and opportunities to grow.
The expansion of the trade fair centre could therefore allow more businesses to participate, increase market access and create more opportunities for local producers, particularly small businesses, women and young entrepreneurs.
For the 25th edition, Nandi-Ndaitwah said 50% of allocated exhibitors were women-owned or women-led businesses, while 35% were youth-owned or youth-led businesses.
She said the demand for space shows that the centre needs infrastructure that can accommodate more businesses and support the economic activity generated by the fair.
With 1,417 applicants unable to secure space this year, the expansion of the centre remains a key issue if the trade fair is to accommodate growing demand and allow more businesses to access its markets and business opportunities.
