Mayor urges revival of Oshikango’s ‘golden days’

Helao Nafidi mayor Darius Shaalukeni has urged business owners to collaborate with the town’s leadership to restore Oshikango to its former economic heyday.Shaalukeni made the call on Saturday during the official opening of the three-day Helao Nafidi Business Expo 2025, officiated by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. The expo opened on Friday and ended on Sunday.Shaalukeni said Oshikango once stood as a thriving commercial hub and can reclaim its “golden days” through renewed private sector investment and joint efforts with authorities.“Oshikango is one of our business hubs and it has been met with ups and downs in terms of the economy. There is a growing concern for us all to put our minds together to see how we [can] revive Oshikango businesses," he said.He called on the business community to “develop resilience and leave the past [behind] and start a conversation that will see Oshikango back to its golden days.”Financial pressure Shaalukeni said the expo is a vital platform for connecting local and national businesses with investors and new opportunities.He explained that, due to budget constraints, the expo’s duration had been reduced from seven days to three.He told exhibitors not to despair, saying the town’s leadership would work hard to restore the full exhibition period.“The business expo continues to play a crucial role in advancing the town’s economy by attracting investors, expanding trade connections and creating jobs,” Shaalukeni said.Under the theme 'Ignite the Future: Unearthing Youth Potential and Innovation at the Heart of Helao Nafidi – Our Border Town, a Hidden Treasure', this year’s expo aimed to shine a spotlight on young entrepreneurs and new business ideas emerging from the region.Shaalukeni said the expo provides a space where innovation thrives, partnerships are built and small enterprises gain visibility to scale their ventures.Collectively changing lives Shaalukeni added that the collaborative efforts of business leaders, government and citizens remain essential in turning ideas into enterprises that change lives.Speaking at the same occasion, Helao Nafidi CEO Inge Ipinge said she is confident that Oshikango will return to its glory days as long as community and business people work together.Ipinge said Oshikango’s business sector has always been fragile, "but it always bounces back. Do not despair."

Mayor urges revival of Oshikango’s ‘golden days’

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-05

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Mayor urges revival of Oshikango’s ‘golden days’

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-05

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