The Mariental Trade Festival has been hailed as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and determination of the people of Hardap, playing a vital role in fostering a thriving local economy by offering opportunities to both young and seasoned entrepreneurs.

These sentiments were echoed by the Chairperson of the Annual Mariental Trade Festival, Unomasa Kavita, during the official opening ceremony in Mariental on Friday.

Established in 2019, the festival not only celebrates local culture through art and food but also provides a platform for small and medium enterprises to showcase their products and services to a broader audience.

Deputy Mayor of Mariental, Andy Boois, urged both residents and visitors to continue supporting initiatives aimed at diversifying the Hardap region’s economy, which is primarily based on agriculture.

Service providers at the festival expressed their gratitude for the chance to present their offerings to both locals and visitors.

Families are also encouraged to bring their children along, as the festival offers a variety of fun activities for them. The event concludes on Sunday.

 Natangwe Jimmy