Towns propose adding nearby settlements to ARAF Expo

The Amalgamated Rotational Annual Festival (ARAF) Expo opened in Usakos on Thursday, 25 September, with town leaders setting out a plan to attach nearby settlements to future host cycles, alongside announcements on SME support, electrification and local investment.Karibib mayor Davey van Wyk proposed that each future host town add its nearest large settlement into the exhibition cycle.“From next year, if possible, can we please attach the biggest, nearest village to our town, so that when we have this exhibition, we start with that village in order to boost our town,” he said. “If it is Omaruru’s turn, let’s incorporate Omatjete. If it is Karibib’s turn, let’s incorporate Otjimbingwe. If it is Usakos’ turn, let’s incorporate Spitzkoppe, so that we can also have a small event before the main one that will be in that town.”He said this would extend services to smaller places and make use of the organising committee’s experience to support them.Catalyst for empowermentExecutive director in the Office of the Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, in a speech delivered on his behalf by the executive director in his office, Ben Nangombe, endorsed the inclusion approach, saying the rotational trade fairs reflect “unity and shared prosperity” and urged greater reach into the grassroots.“That’s where the services are required. That is where poverty is very much,” he said.He described trade fairs as “a catalyst for empowerment for the creation of wealth” and called for value addition and frameworks that “provide more protection to the informal sector... the street vendors.”Omaruru mayor Vincent Kahwa referred to the three-town model under the 2022 memorandum of understanding called OKULAC, the partnership between Usakos, Karibib and Omaruru. It is a joint local authority corporation, established to pool resources and organise shared initiatives — most visibly the rotating ARAF Expo.He said OKULAC “was born from a visionary memorandum of understanding... designed to harness the collective strength of the three towns and foster regional development.”Usakos mayor Irene Simeon-Kurtz framed the event as part of a wider effort.“This is a reflection of the hard work, dedication and unity of a community that believes in progress,” she said. “This year’s festival is not only bigger and not only better, but it is broader.”Erongo governor Nathalia /Goagoses linked the expo to regional development aims.“We will continue to focus on creating an environment where local businesses can thrive,” she said, adding that the event should create a “ripple effect” across Erongo.The three-day expo brings together business, cultural displays and exhibitions.

Towns propose adding nearby settlements to ARAF Expo

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-30

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Towns propose adding nearby settlements to ARAF Expo

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-30

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