The Windhoek Agricultural and Industrial Show (WAIS) can be traced back to 1899 when the first show was held on the 2nd and 3rd of June.

The origins of the event pride themselves on the agricultural sector, being the earliest backbone and supporting structure of the local economy.

The first Windhoek Agricultural Show in the then-German South West Africa saw 22 exhibitors only.

The first show was embraced with the presence of farmers from Klein Windhoek, who exhibited a variety of products ranging from fresh produce to wine. 

Breeding stock was counted at 27 entries; this included 43 horses, 133 heads of cattle, and 146 small livestock animals.

The event did not stop there, and three years later, in 1902, the organisers came back with the 2nd Windhoek Agricultural Show that was held from the 20th to the 22nd of June.

It was marked by vast improvements in products and an increased number of participants.

Three more shows were held before the outbreak of the First World War from 1910 to 1914.

The first Windhoek Agricultural Show during the then-colonial South African era was held in 1930. 

In 1934, the town clerk of Windhoek, George Kerby, was appointed to lay out what is now called the Windhoek Show Grounds in Suiderhof next to Maerua Mall. 

The design of the showground was earmarked with a large exhibition hall and other demarcated places for different exhibitors.

From 1934, the show was not held until 1954, although the following shows were held only occasionally. 

The year 1954 was considered the base year of the present shows.

The event later expanded and included the aspect of an industrial sector, initially consisting predominantly of businesses supplying and catering for the agricultural sector, but later it systematically grew to incorporate the entire industrial sector.

In 1961, the fair was planned and scheduled; unfortunately, it had to be cancelled due to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.

It then resumed in 1966, and it was attended by approximately 27,000 visitors.

From 1966, the show was consistently held annually until today.

Today the Windhoek Show prides itself on three main components of the exhibition: the agricultural exhibition, several industrial and retail offerings, as well as a range of entertainment facilities.

Due to its popularity, the annual week-long show today attracts both local and international exhibitors.

Today the show has been renamed the Windhoek Agricultural, Livestock, and Motor Show.

The show has, among others, corporates, SOEs, and SMEs displaying, demonstrating, providing, and educating visitors about their products and services.

Visitors will also have an opportunity to witness agricultural and livestock showcasing, motoring displays, industry innovations, fun, food and drinks for all, and most importantly networking opportunities.

The show started last Friday, and it will end this Saturday.