By: Annakleta Haikera
The 2026 Nkurenkuru Expo has recorded its highest number of exhibition stalls since the event’s inception, with 144 stalls booked, reflecting the steady growth of the annual trade exhibition and increasing interest from businesses, entrepreneurs and institutions in Kavango West Region.
The official opening of the 2026 Nkurenkuru Expo was held on Wednesday at the Expo Hall.
Statistics released by the Nkurenkuru Town Council show that the number of stalls has grown from 81 in 2018, 82 in 2019, 111 in 2023, 126 in 2024, 137 in 2025, to 144 in 2026.
No official report was available for the 2017 edition.
Of the 144 stalls booked this year, 50 are allocated to the Expo Hall for corporate, government and SME exhibitors, 52 to outside SMEs and kiddies’ stalls, and 42 to entertainment exhibitors.
The council had planned for a total of 150 stalls this year.
While the outside SME section exceeded expectations with 52 bookings for 40 available spaces, the Expo Hall recorded 50 bookings out of 54 available stalls, while the entertainment section filled 42 of the 56 available spaces, leaving an overall shortfall of six stalls.
Officially opening the 2026 Nkurenkuru Expo, Kavango West Regional Council Chairperson Fillips Tenga, speaking on behalf of Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa, called on young Namibians to embrace innovation, technology and entrepreneurship to drive the country’s economic transformation.
He said Namibia’s economic future depends on the creativity, resilience and determination of young entrepreneurs to establish businesses that create employment opportunities and add value to local resources.
Nkurenkuru Town Mayor Muhoka Andreas Katanga said this year’s theme, “Empowering Economic Growth and Celebrating Heritage,” reflects the town’s vision of building a vibrant local economy while preserving the rich cultural identity of its people.
Katanga said economic growth and cultural heritage go hand in hand, noting that traditions, diversity, and heritage remain the foundation of sustainable development.
He described the Nkurenkuru Expo as an important platform for promoting trade, investment, entrepreneurship, innovation and networking.
According to the mayor, the event enables local businesses to showcase their products and services, establish new partnerships and explore new markets while bringing together government, the private sector, development partners and communities to advance shared development goals.
Katanga encouraged visitors to support local businesses, engage with exhibitors, discover innovative products and services, and experience the unique culture and hospitality that Nkurenkuru has to offer.
He further reaffirmed the Nkurenkuru Town Council’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for business, investment, tourism and entrepreneurship, saying strong partnerships forged through the Expo are vital for creating jobs, empowering young people, supporting local enterprises and improving livelihoods.
“Today marks not only the official opening of an exhibition but also the beginning of new opportunities. Let this Expo inspire innovation, strengthen partnerships, attract investment and reaffirm our collective commitment to the sustainable development of Nkurenkuru, the Kavango West Region and Namibia as a whole,” Katanga said.
The 10-day Nkurenkuru Expo, which began on 24 July, runs until 2 August 2026, bringing together businesses, government institutions, entrepreneurs and members of the public for exhibitions, networking and business opportunities.
