Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has advised the Rundu Town Council to address the practical challenges that entrepreneurs and investors face.
These include the need for reliable municipal services, accessible trading facilities, adequate road infrastructure, serviced land and efficient, predictable municipal procedures.
Dr. Ngurare's statement was read on his behalf by Kavango East Governor Hamunyera Hambyuka at the opening of the ninth edition of the Rundu Annual Trade Fair.
He said a trade fair is not simply an exhibition but rather an opportunity to build business relationships, attract investment, encourage innovation and promote entrepreneurship.
"Rundu holds an important position in Namibia's economic development. Its strategic location along major trade routes and its proximity to our neighbours within the Southern African Development Community provide significant opportunities for economic growth. The town has considerable potential in agriculture, timber, tourism, agro-processing and cross-border trade."
Ngurare said the trade fair enables micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to connect with established companies and access markets at regional, national and international levels.
The premier said the government has been doing its part in terms of providing financial means to assist the town to develop.
"During the 2025/26 financial year, Rundu Town Council was allocated N$75 million for infrastructure improvements, according to the reported account of government investment by the Kavango East regional leadership. Furthermore, the national development budget makes provision for N$3.5 million in the 2026/27 financial year towards the construction of trading platforms for informal traders in Rundu."
Rundu deputy mayor Regina Nekare welcomed exhibitors to the fair.
"This platform was precisely designed to bridge the gap between vision and implementation between local SMEs and corporate giants between public sector facilitators and the private sector."
The trade fair is being held under the theme "Embracing Technology for Sustainable Business Growth"