Otjozondjupa Regional Council Chairperson Paulus Nekundi called on local authorities to prioritize land allocation for SMEs to boost entrepreneurship and economic growth during the Otjiwanda SME and Youth Expo in Grootfontein.

“We are calling upon local authorities to prioritize land for businesses, especially SMEs. Despite innovative youth, challenges remain, so land must be made available,” Nekundi said.

Former Grootfontein Mayor Talitha Garises urged youth to seek knowledge, mentorship, and embrace innovation.

Grootfontein Youth Forum Chairperson Michael Ntjamba encouraged disciplined life choices to overcome challenges like unemployment.

The expo, started in 2018, provides a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their products, with this year’s exhibitors reduced to 25 for better engagement.