The government's decision to prioritise the creative industry within the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector is gaining renewed support to help transform talent into sustainable business opportunities.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah opened the three-day MTC Kasi Vibe Festival in Windhoek with a N$3 million contribution.

The event is scheduled for 31 July to 02 August 2026 at Brakwater Recreational Park.

The festival opened with a bold message that the country's economic future will not be built only in boardrooms but also in townships, villages and informal markets where innovation continues to emerge.

Dr Nandi-Ndaitwah placed the creative industry among the sectors to steer the national development agenda.

Therefore, she said, the Kasi Vibe Festival mirrors the government's drive to expand opportunities for young people through the implementation of the sixth National Development Plan.

"The success of this festival is a testament to the determination of our youth and the innovative spirit that runs through our society. The MTC Kasi Vibe Festival has proven that our people do not lack talent; they simply lack the space and the platform to showcase their talents and products. It reminds us that business opportunities and innovative ideas do not only emerge from big offices but also from our towns, villages, informal markets, homes, and communities."

The president also cast government and private sector collaboration as a key driver of economic growth.

Dr Nandi-Ndaitwah signalled that the next phase should move beyond hosting annual events to building permanent creative infrastructure.

"Let us bridge the gap between raw grassroots passion and sustainable creative careers. Therefore, it is highly gratifying to me, as the Head of State, to see how Namibians are embracing the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and becoming active participants in its implementation. It is my firm belief that if all of us—including the youth, who constitute the majority of our population—embrace and believe in our national development agenda as set out by our government, we will succeed together."

The festival also received a major financial boost from MTC of N$1 million over the next three years, turning the event into its officially branded festival.

MTC’s Managing Director Licky Erastus explained that the investment is intended to expand opportunities for entrepreneurs, artists, innovators and small businesses while supporting national development priorities.

“This marks the beginning of an exciting partnership. Building an inclusive and prosperous Namibia requires collaboration among government, the private sector, communities and individuals. Through this festival, MTC supports youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and meaningful economic participation.”

The festival was initiated nine years ago, and its organisers dub it as more than just a platform to connect businesses.

“The true success of the Kasi Vibe Festival is measured by the opportunities it creates: every entrepreneur who gains new customers, every artist who reaches a wider audience, every partnership that begins here, and every young person inspired to start a business. That is the legacy we continue to build,” added the festival's co-founder, Salmi Shigweda.

This year's festival is themed "Building Opportunities for Namibia's Youth Through Entrepreneurship and Innovation".