Big vibes at MTC Kasi Vibe Festival

The MTC Kasi Vibe Festival officially opened at Brakwater Recreational Park in Windhoek on Thursday, bringing together government officials, business leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives and exhibitors for the start of this year's event.

The annual festival kicked off its ninth year as a platform that promotes entrepreneurship, supports small businesses and showcases Namibia's creative industry.

Delivering the keynote address, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the festival reflects the objectives of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) by promoting creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.

She said creativity and innovation are closely linked and form the foundation of development, noting that many of the products people use every day are the result of innovative thinking.

The president welcomed the contribution made by the organisers towards implementing the country's development agenda and encouraged Namibians, particularly young people, to participate in building the economy.

"It is my strong position that if all of us, including the youth, who are the majority of our population, believe in the developmental agenda of our country as set out by the government, together we will be successful," she said.

She urged Namibians to remain hopeful, think beyond limitations and contribute to national development, saying progress begins with individual effort.

Vital platform

Programme director John Ekongo described the festival as a uniquely Namibian initiative that combines culture, business and innovation.

He said the event encourages young people to create opportunities for themselves while contributing to the country's economy through entrepreneurship and the creative sector.

Kasi Vibe co-founder Salmi Shigwedha reflected on the festival's beginnings, saying it was established after she and co-founder Bomba Shigwedha recognised the need for a platform where young entrepreneurs, artists and creatives could showcase their talents.

“We envisioned creating a space where entrepreneurs, artists and communities could come together to showcase their talents, grow their businesses and celebrate the richness of Namibian culture," Shigwedha said.

She added that the festival's success is reflected in the opportunities it creates for exhibitors, artists and aspiring entrepreneurs, while thanking MTC and other partners for their continued support.

MTC managing director Dr Licky Erastus announced that the company has committed N$1 million annually for the next three years towards the festival.

Erastus also announced that MTC Maris, the company's mobile money platform, will be used as the festival's preferred cashless payment solution. He said the platform promotes financial inclusion by allowing users to make payments and transfer money directly from their mobile phones, while providing vendors with a safer and more convenient way to conduct business.

The MTC Kasi Vibe Festival will continue over the next three days, featuring entrepreneurs, exhibitors, food vendors, artists and performers from across the country.