Ohangwena urged to leverage AfCFTA

Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has urged Ohangwena businesses to capitalise on opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), saying they are strategically positioned on Namibia’s northern border to become a key driver of regional trade and economic growth.

Ngurare made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by Ohangwena governor Kadiva Hamutumwa at the official opening of the 16th Eenhana Expo on Wednesday, held under the theme 'Investing in the Youth – Investing in the Future Today’.

The prime minister said Ohangwena serves as Namibia’s gateway to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), giving local businesses a unique advantage.

Ngurare said improving infrastructure, promoting value addition and strengthening support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) would enable businesses to take full advantage of AfCFTA and unlock greater economic opportunities, particularly for young people.

He also described the annual expo as an important platform for businesses to network, identify new markets, attract investment and forge lasting partnerships that can stimulate local economic growth.

This year’s expo has attracted about 193 exhibitors, including participants from Tanzania and Matala municipality in Angola’s Huíla Province, highlighting the event’s growing regional footprint.

The participation of international exhibitors demonstrates that the expo has evolved beyond a local exhibition into a platform that markets Eenhana, the Ohangwena Region and Namibia to the wider international business community, Ngurare said.