Ongwediva: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Sunday highlighted trade fairs as vital platforms for businesspeople to learn from one another and gain insights into market demands. She made the remarks while officially opening the 24th Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF), held under the theme ‘Innovate – Connect – Prosper’. Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted that the OATF enables entrepreneurs to refine their businesses and contribute meaningfully to Namibia’s economic development.

According to Namibia Press Agency, she commended the initiative and encouraged local entrepreneurs, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and town councils to seize the opportunity to build cross-border partnerships, explore new markets and embrace innovation. ‘The fair facilitates opportunities for businesses across regions, sectors, and countries to showcase their innovations, connect with markets and explore partnerships,’ she said.

The president further urged participants to use the platform to engage, collaborate and forge partnerships that advance shared prosperity, adding that the OATF contributes to the economic growth, transformation and resilience pillar of the sixth National Development Plan (NDP 6), particularly in areas such as youth employment, local value addition and digital transformation.

Nandi-Ndaitwah revealed that 70 per cent of this year’s exhibitors are women, while 60 per cent are youth. She said these figures demonstrate the empowerment provided by the trade fair in enabling women and young people to shape Namibia’s economic future. The fair has attracted 450 exhibitors, including 26 international participants from Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Botswana, and South Africa.

‘This participation reinforces the Memorandum of Engagement between Namibia’s Oshana, Ohangwena, Oshikoto and Omusati Regions and South Africa’s Limpopo Province, which focuses on a shared commitment to regional economic integration and collaboration,’ she added. Nandi-Ndaitwah also welcomed the high-level delegation led by Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Premier of Limpopo Province, noting that her presence gave tangible expression to the close cooperation under the Bi-National Commission established between Namibia and South Africa.