The Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition has transformed into one of Namibia's primary trade exhibitions, with the organisers succeeding in positioning the event as a prime nationally recognised event.

These were the remarks of Trade and Industrialization Minister Lucia Iipumbu when she officially opened the 10th edition of the Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition.

This year's expo brought together over 200 local exhibitors.

Ondangwa Mayor Paavo Amwele says the expo has grown over the years.

In 2019, the fair recorded about 220 exhibitors and 16,500 visitors.

The Minister of Trade and Industrialization is happy that the trade fair and exhibition keep attracting participants from diverse sectors.

Iipumbu said the platform presents opportunities for innovation, smart partnerships, value addition, improved efficiency, and the sharing of skills.

"The government supports all efforts in those aspects, and we are ready to support you in various interventions. We have some programmes to empower communities, and we are looking forward to your participation in some of these programmes."

She was also happy that the majority of exhibitors were young people and women.

"In the past, if you look at history, those who were educated first and became diploma and master's holders were men. Our society's progress was dominated by men, but I was delighted, honourable governor, when I was introduced to the doctor who is leading the Jose Eduardo Campus. She not only came from here, but because she is a woman, it proves that women can take you far."

The exhibition, which started on the 2nd of this month and runs until the 6th, is being held under the theme "A decade of continuous business support and innovation".