Ongwediva: A total of N.dollars 2.1 million was raised for the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF) during the event's 25th fundraising gala dinner held on Saturday. Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Ohlthaver and List (OL) executive chairperson and CEO Sven Thieme during the gala dinner, OL Group Chief Experience Officer Franziska Rueck said the trade fair's transition to digital and paperless systems demonstrates the type of innovation required for institutions to remain relevant and sustainable.According To Namibia Press Agency, Rueck said sustainability extends beyond environmental concerns and includes the ability of organisations to adapt, invest in people and embrace innovation. 'The Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair's transition towards a digital platform and paperless system demonstrates precisely that mindset. Transformation should never be viewed as abandoning our heritage. Rather, it is about carrying our heritage confidently into the future through new technologies, new ideas and new opportun ities,' she said.She noted that the trade fair's evolution reflects Namibia's own economic transformation, with new opportunities emerging in sectors such as oil and gas, green hydrogen, renewable energy, logistics and the digital economy. 'We celebrate an institution that has done both. Since August 2000, the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair has opened doors for entrepreneurs, connected businesses with opportunities, strengthened communities, and contributed to shaping the economic future of northern Namibia and our country as a whole. This is an achievement worthy of celebration,' she said.Ongwediva Mayor Naemi Amuthenu said the success of the trade fair is built on collective effort and credited individuals who contributed their time, resources and ideas while sharing a common vision of growing the town's flagship business exhibition. 'Our vision is to see the trade fair grow into a stronger, more dynamic and more inclusive platform. A platform that attracts greater investment. A platform that strengthens r egional and international participation, a platform that continues to position Ongwediva as a centre of trade, innovation and economic opportunity,' Amuthenu said.The gala dinner was held at the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre under the theme 'A resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy'. The trade fair is scheduled for 21 to 29 August 2026.