Works and Transport Deputy Minister Hans Haikali says Business Expo provides valuable platforms for entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, exchange ideas, build partnerships and explore new markets.
Haikali made these remarks when he officially opened the 19th edition of the Helao-Nafidi business expo, which started on the 26th of October and runs until the 1st of November.
This year's Helao Nafidi business expo has attracted 119 exhibitors, among them two international exhibitors from Kenya and Tanzania, providing an opportunity for businesses to network, promote their products and explore potential business opportunities.
He says this year's Helao Nafidi theme, "Ignite the Future, unearth youth potential and innovation at the heart of Helao Nafidi Town, our border town, a hidden treasure."
Haikali says the theme reminds Namibians that the greatest resources are not only in the ground but also in the talents, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of especially the Namibian youth.
"I am impressed. I have seen young people producing things from local products like eembe, Eenyadi and eendunga, so as you are all aware, we have seven priorities as a government. Priority number 3 is talking about youth empowerment. We say young people do not only need good ideas, but they need skills; they need exposure, like what the Helao Nafidi business expo is doing."
He says the town's strategic position along Namibia's border with Angola presents a significant opportunity for trade, investment, transport and regional cooperation.
The town can thus serve as a vital gateway connecting businesses and markets across national boundaries, contributing to development in the Ohangwena region and beyond.
On his part, Helao-Nafidi Mayor Darius Shaalukeni says the exhibition has started well, but this year it has experienced a drop in corporate participants.
The second challenge is the power that goes on and off, and Shaalukeni is not disappointed and called on NORED to find an amicable solution and ensure reliable electricity provision throughout the exhibition.
"This is a clarion call to NORED, at least to come and be on standby, because now and then we are getting reports that there is an electricity interruption, and that disturbs the market and confidence of exhibitors. Some of them are trading with items which need electricity time by time."
We spoke to some exhibitors, and this is what they had to say.
"We are offering the service, we are selling gift bags, and we also supply bags. We also manufacture and brand mahangu bags where you can store your mahangu, maize meal, and also sorghum and animal seeds. You just send us your contact number and the log for business; we are here to provide service," said Hendrina Newaka, a salesperson at Packaging Master Ongwediva.