Participation soars at Rundu's annual trade fair
The 8th Rundu Annual Trade Fair, which kicked off on 24 October and concludes on 1 November, has brought together a vibrant mix of local, national and international exhibitors.
Fransiska Kupembona, the Rundu Town Council’s strategic executive for community services, described the fair as a platform for entrepreneurship, regional trade and community development.
“What started as a small community festival in the early 2000s is now a hub for business growth, innovation and networking. It’s inspiring to see how far we’ve come,” she said.
This year, 168 exhibitors occupy 206 stalls, a sharp rise from last year’s 133 participants. They include seven international exhibitors from Tanzania, Kenya and Cameroon; 43 national exhibitors from other Namibian regions, and 118 local businesses from Kavango East.
To accommodate the growing demand, additional framed tents were provided for small and medium-sized enterprises, while the main exhibition hall was filled by corporate companies, financial institutions, higher learning institutions and government ministries, including the Office of the Regional Governor.
Kupembona also pointed out Rundu’s strategic location along the Kavango River as a driver of economic activity. She described the fair as an opportunity for businesses to connect, innovate and expand their networks.
“This event is about building relationships, empowering entrepreneurs, and creating sustainable growth,” she said.
Dedicated team praised
Vice President Lucia Witbooi, in her keynote address at the official opening of the trade fair, praised the Rundu Town Council and stakeholders for their dedication in bringing the event to life.
“This trade fair is more than an exhibition; it is a celebration of business, creativity and community. It is a place where entrepreneurs can launch new products, attract investment and strengthen their brands,” the VP said.
Witbooi also stressed the importance of aligning with Namibia’s national development plans. “This year’s theme, ‘Empowering Enterprises for Sustainable Growth’, reflects our commitment to building an inclusive and competitive economy. It aligns with NDP6 priorities, including industrialisation, innovation and entrepreneurship, while supporting Vision 2030 to transform Namibia into a prosperous, industrialised nation,” she said.
The vice president commended exhibitors who travelled from across Namibia and beyond the country's borders, noting their contribution to regional trade and cooperation. She encouraged local businesses, especially SMEs, youth and women entrepreneurs, to seize the opportunities offered by the fair.
“Let this platform inspire innovation, foster collaboration and build networks that will strengthen our local and national economies,” she added.
Kupembona thanked sponsors, including Standard Bank, BetBitta, ReconAfrica, First National Bank of Namibia, Leshego Bank, Bank Windhoek and the Kavango East Regional Council, for making the event possible.
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Fransiska Kupembona, the Rundu Town Council’s strategic executive for community services, described the fair as a platform for entrepreneurship, regional trade and community development.
“What started as a small community festival in the early 2000s is now a hub for business growth, innovation and networking. It’s inspiring to see how far we’ve come,” she said.
This year, 168 exhibitors occupy 206 stalls, a sharp rise from last year’s 133 participants. They include seven international exhibitors from Tanzania, Kenya and Cameroon; 43 national exhibitors from other Namibian regions, and 118 local businesses from Kavango East.
To accommodate the growing demand, additional framed tents were provided for small and medium-sized enterprises, while the main exhibition hall was filled by corporate companies, financial institutions, higher learning institutions and government ministries, including the Office of the Regional Governor.
Kupembona also pointed out Rundu’s strategic location along the Kavango River as a driver of economic activity. She described the fair as an opportunity for businesses to connect, innovate and expand their networks.
“This event is about building relationships, empowering entrepreneurs, and creating sustainable growth,” she said.
Dedicated team praised
Vice President Lucia Witbooi, in her keynote address at the official opening of the trade fair, praised the Rundu Town Council and stakeholders for their dedication in bringing the event to life.
“This trade fair is more than an exhibition; it is a celebration of business, creativity and community. It is a place where entrepreneurs can launch new products, attract investment and strengthen their brands,” the VP said.
Witbooi also stressed the importance of aligning with Namibia’s national development plans. “This year’s theme, ‘Empowering Enterprises for Sustainable Growth’, reflects our commitment to building an inclusive and competitive economy. It aligns with NDP6 priorities, including industrialisation, innovation and entrepreneurship, while supporting Vision 2030 to transform Namibia into a prosperous, industrialised nation,” she said.
The vice president commended exhibitors who travelled from across Namibia and beyond the country's borders, noting their contribution to regional trade and cooperation. She encouraged local businesses, especially SMEs, youth and women entrepreneurs, to seize the opportunities offered by the fair.
“Let this platform inspire innovation, foster collaboration and build networks that will strengthen our local and national economies,” she added.
Kupembona thanked sponsors, including Standard Bank, BetBitta, ReconAfrica, First National Bank of Namibia, Leshego Bank, Bank Windhoek and the Kavango East Regional Council, for making the event possible.
[email protected]
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