Trade fair aspires to host 450 exhibitors
400 showcased products last year
The Ongwediva Annual Trade (OATF) offers an opportunity for local and regional exhibitors to showcase their products and services.
This year's Ongwediva Annual Trade (OATF) will take place from 25 August to 2 September 2023 and organisers hope it will attract at least 450 exhibitors.
This was announced by Rebekka Hidulika, the chairperson of the Ongwediva Trade Fair Society, at a gala dinner that took place on Saturday.
Hidulika said: "Last year OATF attracted over 400 local and international exhibitors representing a fair number of the active economic sectors in the country, including the informal sector, which is contributing significantly to our gross domestic product (GDP)."
Better, bigger
Hidulika said the organisers have devised new strategic measures to improve their exhibition space, such as renovating parts of the exhibition centre. She said they have also employed a full-time staff member as a liaison between stakeholders.
‘Embracing a Sustainable Economy, Linking Smart Markets’ is the OATF theme this year.
The theme was inspired by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which presents a unique opportunity for African countries to embrace a sustainable economy.
Regional event
AfCFTA is one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063, Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming the continent into the global powerhouse of the future.
"The agreement promotes regional trade and integration, which can help reduce the dependence on external markets. The AfCFTA also presents an opportunity for African countries to link smart markets, which are characterised by the use of technology and innovation to improve market efficiency," she said, adding that this can lead to reduced transaction costs, increased transparency, and better market access for smaller businesses.
Ongwediva mayor Taarah Shalyefu said hosting the OATF continues to define the nature and character of the town’s strategic efforts.
In addition to local exhibitors, the expo has attracted exhibitors from the Southern African Development Community countries and East and West African countries such as Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda.
This was announced by Rebekka Hidulika, the chairperson of the Ongwediva Trade Fair Society, at a gala dinner that took place on Saturday.
Hidulika said: "Last year OATF attracted over 400 local and international exhibitors representing a fair number of the active economic sectors in the country, including the informal sector, which is contributing significantly to our gross domestic product (GDP)."
Better, bigger
Hidulika said the organisers have devised new strategic measures to improve their exhibition space, such as renovating parts of the exhibition centre. She said they have also employed a full-time staff member as a liaison between stakeholders.
‘Embracing a Sustainable Economy, Linking Smart Markets’ is the OATF theme this year.
The theme was inspired by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which presents a unique opportunity for African countries to embrace a sustainable economy.
Regional event
AfCFTA is one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063, Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming the continent into the global powerhouse of the future.
"The agreement promotes regional trade and integration, which can help reduce the dependence on external markets. The AfCFTA also presents an opportunity for African countries to link smart markets, which are characterised by the use of technology and innovation to improve market efficiency," she said, adding that this can lead to reduced transaction costs, increased transparency, and better market access for smaller businesses.
Ongwediva mayor Taarah Shalyefu said hosting the OATF continues to define the nature and character of the town’s strategic efforts.
In addition to local exhibitors, the expo has attracted exhibitors from the Southern African Development Community countries and East and West African countries such as Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda.
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