Nandi-Ndaitwah urges women, youth to lead economic growth
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Namibian entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, to seize opportunities for innovation, cross-border partnerships and economic growth.
She said women and young people must be at the centre of shaping the country’s future, especially as new industries such as oil, gas and critical minerals open doors for participation.
She made these remarks on Sunday during the official opening of the 24th Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF), held under the theme “Innovate – Connect – Prosper.”
The fair has attracted 450 exhibitors, including 26 international participants from Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Botswana and South Africa. For the first time, aviation and digital innovation sectors are represented. Alongside the president, other dignitaries also delivered speeches, reinforcing the event’s role as a platform for regional trade and policy dialogue.
Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted that 70% of exhibitors this year are women, while 60% are youth, describing these figures as proof of empowerment that is already shaping Namibia’s economic future.
Cross-border partners
The president emphasised that the fair must yield tangible results, particularly through business-to-business matchmaking sessions between Namibian and neighbouring countries, including South Africa.
The president commended Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba, who led a 30-member South African delegation, saying their visit underscores bilateral cooperation under the Bi-National Commission.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also noted the continued participation of Indonesian businesspeople since OATF’s inception and urged Namibian companies to deepen such partnerships.
Turning to continental challenges, she highlighted poor transport infrastructure as a significant obstacle to intra-African trade, which undermines the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
While Namibia has made progress in road links with its neighbours, rail and air services still require significant upgrades.
“With hard work, commitment, and integrity, a shared prosperity is within our reach,” the president said.
Established in 2000, the OATF has since grown into Namibia’s flagship trade and innovation showcase.
She said women and young people must be at the centre of shaping the country’s future, especially as new industries such as oil, gas and critical minerals open doors for participation.
She made these remarks on Sunday during the official opening of the 24th Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF), held under the theme “Innovate – Connect – Prosper.”
The fair has attracted 450 exhibitors, including 26 international participants from Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Botswana and South Africa. For the first time, aviation and digital innovation sectors are represented. Alongside the president, other dignitaries also delivered speeches, reinforcing the event’s role as a platform for regional trade and policy dialogue.
Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted that 70% of exhibitors this year are women, while 60% are youth, describing these figures as proof of empowerment that is already shaping Namibia’s economic future.
Cross-border partners
The president emphasised that the fair must yield tangible results, particularly through business-to-business matchmaking sessions between Namibian and neighbouring countries, including South Africa.
The president commended Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba, who led a 30-member South African delegation, saying their visit underscores bilateral cooperation under the Bi-National Commission.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also noted the continued participation of Indonesian businesspeople since OATF’s inception and urged Namibian companies to deepen such partnerships.
Turning to continental challenges, she highlighted poor transport infrastructure as a significant obstacle to intra-African trade, which undermines the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
While Namibia has made progress in road links with its neighbours, rail and air services still require significant upgrades.
“With hard work, commitment, and integrity, a shared prosperity is within our reach,” the president said.
Established in 2000, the OATF has since grown into Namibia’s flagship trade and innovation showcase.
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