Sankwasa opens Ondangwa trade fair, calls for innovation and support for MSMEs

The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, officially opened the 12th edition of the Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition on Tuesday, urging stronger support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).Sankwasa also called on businesses to embrace innovation and public-private collaboration to build a resilient Namibian economy.In a speech read on his behalf by Andreas Uutoni, chairperson of the Oshana Regional Council, Sankwasa described the trade fair as a “crucial local economic development initiative” that aligns with Namibia’s Vision 2030 goal of becoming an industrialised country. Providing opportunitiesThe event, themed “Building resilient industries through innovation and smart partnership”, is taking place in Ondangwa and has drawn business leaders, local authorities, government agencies, and exhibitors from across the country.“The Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition continues to empower and uplift Namibia’s businessmen and women,” Sankwasa said, adding that it provides opportunities for networking, innovation, and visibility for MSMEs, especially those still recovering from the impact of Covid-19.Sankwasa praised the council for its consistent efforts in promoting local economic development and acknowledged Ondangwa’s strategic importance in northern Namibia, citing its railway, airport, and industrial infrastructure as key to regional economic expansion and cross-border trade with Angola.He said many MSMEs face persistent challenges, including a lack of trading premises, inadequate skills, and limited market access. Strong collaboration The minister urged government ministries and agencies to increase their presence and engagement at such platforms, noting that several had already brought essential services to the people at the exhibition.“Strong collaboration between government and the private sector is essential in equipping entrepreneurs with the resources and skills needed to grow value chains and add value to local products,” Sankwasa said.The minister also encouraged entrepreneurs to take advantage of supportive government policies, such as the Growth at Home Strategy, Public-Private Partnerships, Industrial Development Policy, and the Infant Industry Protection mechanism, to build a more self-reliant and diversified economy.Trading activitiesOndangwa deputy mayor Ester Auala said a huge number of the town's residents are engaged in various trading activities, contributing substantially to the country's revenue and the growth of the economy. "It is, therefore, our responsibility as leaders to assist and create an environment where our people can trade and improve their livelihoods through trade," Auala said. The exhibition features 280 exhibitors and will run until Saturday, 5 July, providing a platform for business-to-business engagement, product showcases, and direct interaction between service providers and the public.

Sankwasa opens Ondangwa trade fair, calls for innovation and support for MSMEs

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-04

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Sankwasa opens Ondangwa trade fair, calls for innovation and support for MSMEs

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-04

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