Windhoek: The third edition of the Omuthiya Business Expo received a major financial boost on Saturday after businesses and stakeholders pledged N.dollars 626,026 during the Omuthiya Town Council Gala Dinner.According to Namibia Press Agency, the funds will support the hosting of the expo, which is scheduled for October 2026 at the New Open Market Centre in Omuthiya under the theme, 'Local by Design; Crafting Competitive SMEs for Tomorrow.' Speaking at the gala dinner, National Planning Commission Director General Kaire Mbuende emphasized that the fundraising event is more than just a financial mobilization. It represents a collective commitment to strengthening local economic development and creating opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).Mbuende highlighted that the expo's theme underscores the need to deliberately build competitive businesses through investment in skills development, innovation, infrastructure, and enabling policy environments. "Namibia's SMEs should be supported to move beyond fragmented small-scale operations into coordinated and scalable value chains capable of contributing meaningfully to economic transformation," he stated.According to Mbuende, value addition remains essential to ensuring that products are processed locally instead of being exported in raw form. This approach retains economic value within communities and creates employment opportunities. "Omuthiya's strategic location as a gateway to Namibia's central northern regions presents significant opportunities for trade, tourism, and service-based enterprises, provided that the government, the private sector, and local communities work together to unlock the town's full economic potential," he added.Businessman Shafa Kanime echoed the call for stronger collaboration, encouraging the local business community to seize the investment opportunities available in Omuthiya and actively contribute to the town's development. Kanime noted that the town has the potential to become a tourism and commercial hub, provided that businesses continue investing in trade and other economic activities that will benefit both the town and the wider Oshikoto Region.He also highlighted the importance of utilizing the agricultural land surrounding Omuthiya to strengthen agricultural production. Kanime believes that the sector could become a key driver of economic growth and create additional business opportunities for local entrepreneurs. The annual Omuthiya Business Expo aims to promote local enterprises, attract investment, and stimulate sustainable economic development in the region.