Leaders at all levels in Omaheke Region have called on the youth to form cooperatives, develop innovative ideas, and add value to what they produce to become successful entrepreneurs.
These remarks were made during the official launch of the Omaheke Regional Youth Business Trade Expo at Gobabis.
The annual Omaheke Youth Business Trade Expo is slated to run from the 1st to the 4th of December.
Speaking at the official launch, the Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth, and National Service, Emma Kantema-Gaomas, reiterated the importance of expos as a way to create platforms for young people to showcase their products and services.
"To the youth who are brave enough to participate in the expo, I hope to see your innovations one day solving the current problems in Namibia and African communities. On the 1st of November, our president not only wished the youth of Africa a happy Africa Youth Day, but he amplified that in Africa we want young people to hold hands as the pivotal drivers of a better future for our great continent, therefore go out there and hold hands to create the Namibia and Africa you want to see."
Kantema-Gaomas also called upon the early life group to explore various schemes offered by the ministry and key partners that provide business opportunities with basic training in business management, access to credit, and mentorship programs to improve their trade.
Gobabis Mayor Elvire Theron stressed the significance of the Omaheke Youth Business Trade Expo to the town's economy.
Therone assured young entrepreneurs that the council has set a conducive environment for the expo, and it's now upon them to take advantage of the opportunity.
"I hope and wish that the Youth Business Trade Expo will inspire the youth of the Omaheke Region with renewed vigor and energy to initiate entrepreneurship development programs."
The patron of the expo, Brave Tjizera, says young people have a role to play in the development and growth of the economy in various forms, including expos.
"Entrepreneurs are visionaries who generate livelihoods for themselves and others; therefore, they need encouragement and support from all of us in order to ensure success."
During the expo, youths will be taken through HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence information sessions.
It is expected that more than 300 youths will participate in this year's Business Trade Expo.