Over N$885 000 pledged at Ondangwa expo gala dinner

The Ondangwa Town Council raised N$885 070 during a fundraising gala dinner held on Saturday night to kick-start the 13th edition of the Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition.

The event saw the business community and government leaders opening their wallets to ensure the upcoming trade fair, scheduled for 24 April to 2 May, is a success.

During her keynote address, Vice President Lucia Witbooi spoke about the town's potential to transform the regional economy.

Witbooi emphasised that the exhibition is no longer just a local event but a vital engine for national growth.

She described the town’s goal to become a hub for industrialisation and sustainable development as a vision that is both ambitious and achievable.

She further highlighted that Ondangwa is perfectly positioned for business because of its unique infrastructure.

"Ondangwa benefits from several competitive advantages, including strategic transport links, a railway line and an airport, which strengthen connectivity and trade logistics," Witbooi said.

A major focus of the night was the support of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The vice president noted that these businesses remain the backbone of job creation and economic participation in Namibia.

Witbooi stressed that platforms like the expo offer entrepreneurs a chance to connect with markets, access knowledge, attract investment and build partnerships.

Under the theme 'Connecting Local Trade to the World', Witbooi explained that government is committed to expanding market access and strengthening global value chains.

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