President calls for year-round Ongwediva trade hub

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre to become a year-round facility, saying the event has outgrown its current nine-day format and infrastructure.

Speaking at the official opening of the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF) on Sunday, the president said: "The Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre should progressively develop into a year-round hub for trade, business events, entrepreneurship and investment engagement."

The president noted that a digital platform, launched this year, will extend the life of the expo beyond its physical location.

The platform will keep exhibitor profiles, products and business information accessible to buyers and investors throughout the year.

This year’s theme is 'A Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Economy’.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said the theme challenges Namibia to build an economy that can withstand shocks, broaden participation in economic opportunity and pursue growth in ways that create lasting value for present and future generations.

The expo's growing success has put increasing pressure on its ability to accommodate all who want to take part as exhibitors.

Of 1 872 applications, 1 417 had to be turned down.

The president urged the Ongwediva Town Council, the private sector and all relevant stakeholders to mobilise resources to expand and upgrade the centre.

Equal participation

Of the exhibitors allocated space this year, 50% are women-owned enterprises, 35% are youth-led businesses, and 50% showcase homegrown products and services.

"These are not simply statistics. They represent entrepreneurs building livelihoods, young people pursuing ideas, women and men participating equally in our economy, and Namibian businesses demonstrating what our country is capable of producing," Nandi-Ndaitwah said.

The expo also attracted 36 international exhibitors from South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Botswana.

"We must use such platforms to deepen regional commerce and take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area. Our entrepreneurs must increasingly think regionally, continentally and globally," the president said.

She stressed that trade fairs should do more than showcase established businesses.

"They must help emerging enterprises and start-ups to grow, connect to markets, and ultimately create dignified employment for our people," she said.

The OATF runs until 29 August.