OATF raises N$2.1m ahead of silver jubilee

The Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF) raised more than N$2.1 million at its fundraising gala dinner on Saturday ahead of the trade fair’s 25th anniversary edition next month.

A total of N$2 168 450 was raised through cash pledges and in-kind contributions from corporate partners and other stakeholders, up from the N$1.6 million raised at last year’s fundraising event.

The 2026 OATF is scheduled to take place from 21 to 29 August in Ongwediva, marking 25 years since the trade fair was established as a platform to promote business, investment and entrepreneurship.

MTC made the largest cash pledge of N$350 000, followed by First National Bank (FNB) with N$200 000 and Bank Windhoek with N$100 000.

In-kind contributions accounted for a significant portion of the funds raised, with the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) contributing N$600 000, while local consulting engineering firm Lithon Project Consultants pledged N$350 000.

The money will go towards preparations for the annual exhibition, which brings together businesses, small and medium enterprises, government institutions, development partners and investors.

Ongwediva mayor Naemi Amuthenu said the trade fair’s silver jubilee is an opportunity to reflect on the people and institutions that have contributed to its development over the past two and a half decades.

She said the expo's growth was built on hard work, partnerships and a shared belief in Ongwediva’s potential to develop into an important centre for business and investment.

“As we celebrate this journey, we must also honour all who contributed to building it. We pay tribute to the founders, sponsors, exhibitors, stakeholders and every person who has played a role in sustaining this dream. The success of OATF belongs to all of you,” Amuthenu said.

She added that Ongwediva had grown into a town characterised by increasing economic opportunities, entrepreneurship and development.

Vision

In a speech delivered on his behalf, O&L Group chief executive officer Sven Thieme said the strength of OATF lies in its ability to bring together entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporations, government institutions, development partners and international investors on a single platform.

He reflected on the origins of the trade fair, noting that late founding president Sam Nujoma officially opened the event 26 years ago as part of efforts to introduce the newly proclaimed town of Ongwediva to Namibia’s business community.

“His purpose was straightforward: to introduce a new, proclaimed northern town to the business community, and today that vision has grown into one of Namibia’s premier business platforms,” Thieme said.

He said the trade fair’s growth over the years was the result of sustained commitment from individuals, businesses and institutions that continued to support its vision.

“That growth didn’t come by accident; it happened because people believed in the vision and worked consistently to make it a reality,” he said.