Organisers of the Discover Namibia Intra Africa Trade Expo and small business owners are hopeful that the upcoming event will boost the economy of Swakopmund.

Preparations for the event are in full swing at the Germina Shitaleni Multi-purpose Centre at Mondesa.

The three-day business conference and expo aims to create an opportunity for local traders to network and understand the role they play in the economy.

"It's not easy to do what we are doing; we know, and we are also creating awareness about the importance of trade expositions and how they can get new access to new networks. Without a network, if you have a business, it's very difficult because you are only known by the people in your community. But not people from other communities, so this expo is a good platform for informal traders to understand that they are very important pillars of the Namibian economy and African economy," said Heinrich Hafeni, Co-Founder of the Discover Namibia Intra-Africa Trade Expo.

Over a hundred exhibitors are expected to attend the expo, while innovators, policymakers, experts, financiers, and entrepreneurs will discuss various topics.

To boost the participation of those who can't afford it, the organisers have sponsored free tickets for micro, small, and medium enterprises to set up their stalls.