The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Derek Klazen, says that the official launch of the Luderitz Crayfish Festival fundraising gala dinner is critical as it sets the tone for aggressive marketing of the annual festival, which is expected to take place from the 29th of April to the 5th of May. 

Klazen, in a statement delivered on his behalf by ǃNamiǂNûs Regional Councillor, Suzan Ndjaleka, reiterated that the event provides an opportunity for business entities and private individuals to pledge their full support, be it financial or in kind.

N$734,000 were pledged during the gala dinner that took place at Luderitz over the weekend.

The main sponsor for this year's festival is Standard Bank of Namibia.

The primary objective of the Crayfish Festival is to help boost socio-economic development, support local tourism, and provide a platform for small and medium enterprises to showcase their products and services to a wider audience. This year's festival is celebrated under the theme, Safeguarding our Ocean Riches. 

Visitors to the festival can expect delicious seafood delicacies, excellent hospitality, exhibitions, kiddies' activities, performances, and much more.

During the first quarter of 2024, seafood exports earned the country nearly N$4.1 billion. Adding to this tally is the Luderitz Crayfish Festival, which remains a key driver for the town's economic success that was dependent on mining and fishing for several years.

As data remains a key component that guides planning processes of development, speakers called for a study to be undertaken to determine the festival's socio-economic impact on the town's economy.

Among the activities expected for this year's festival is a high level business conference to be attended by local, regional and international business personalities.