Oshikoto Regional Governor Sacky Kathindi says there is need for youth, SMEs and farmers of the region to take active participation and benefits in economic development.
He said this when opening the Tsumeb Copper Festival stakeholder's breakfast meeting, where he added key players must tap into the strategic location benefits and activities.
Governor Kathindi, who is also the event's patron, says Tsumeb is an economic hub of the region, where success stories create opportunities for all to tap in.
"I encourage our business community to deepen these partnerships through local procurement, enterprise development, skills development, mentorship and investment. We must ensure that our youth, SMEs and farmers are not merely observers of economic development but active participants and beneficiaries. CUT…Let us attract investment, grow local businesses, empower our youth, strengthen agriculture and create sustainable economic opportunities for our communities."
Tsumeb Chief Executive Officer Callista Schwartz applauded the bi-tuned growth of the annual festival and support to expose economic and social development needs.
"The copper festival has grown beyond being simply an annual celebration. It has become a platform where heritage meets opportunity, where businesses connect with markets, where investors can discover potential, where entrepreneurs can showcase their products and services, and where our communities can come together and network. as the municipality would like to see the festival continue to create value beyond the four days of the event."
Tsumeb Deputy Mayor Lisken Klassen also spoke at the event.
"Tsumeb is much more than mineral wealth. We are a city shaped by mining and industry, agriculture and commerce, doors and cultural entrepreneurship and community enterprise. Our opportunity is to build on these strengths, add more value locally and create greater opportunities for business investment, entrepreneurship and employment."
The Copper Festival is set to kick off on the 28th to 31st of this month. It is to be held under the theme Copper sparks, Tsumeb shines.