President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has highlighted that the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair has grown significantly and has become a formidable force in contributing to Namibia's economic development.
Nandi-Ndaitwah made the remarks during the official opening of the 25th edition of the popular trade exhibition on Friday morning.
Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah said the trade fair should be measured by how far it has come, the growing demand it has generated, and the opportunities it has created over the years.
She added that the event continues to attract scores of exhibitors and visitors, citing that it was time to expand the infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of exhibitors who want to showcase their goods and services each year.
“Of the 1 872 applications received this year, 1 417 could not be accommodated. One can conclude that the success of the Ongwediva Trade Fair has outgrown its present facilities. It is therefore important that Ongwediva.
It is therefore important that Ongwediva Town Council, together with the private sector and all relevant stakeholders, needs to work together to mobilize resources for the expansion and continued improvement of the Ongwediva Trade Fair Center to ensure that the infrastructure meets the demand that this fair has created.”
The president stressed that the fair should be used as a platform to deepen regional commerce and take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“Our entrepreneurs must increasingly think regionally, continentally, and globally. That is the only way we will be able to realise our seven priority areas as identified in the NDP6, that is informed by the SWAPO Party Election Manifesto 2025-2030.”
Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge said that the Council should celebrate how far the trade fair has come over the years.
“For us in Oshana, platforms such as these are important because sustainable economic development depends on the connections we create between people, opportunities, and markets. The theme for this year's Trade Fair, "A Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable Economy," is therefore both relevant and timely. As a region, we particularly welcome platforms that create opportunities for our young people, women, SMEs, and emerging entrepreneurs to showcase what they can produce and, importantly, to connect with established businesses, financial institutions, and potential markets.”
The fair is set to end on Saturday.