Rundu:Over N$1 million in cash and in-kind contributions was raised at the Rundu Town Council Fundraising Gala Dinner on Saturday, ahead of the ninth Annual Rundu Trade Fair (ARTF).

According to Namibia Press Agency, a total amount of N$1,075,470 was collected, surpassing the N$552,900 in pledges recorded during the 2025 event. An additional N$98,300 was contributed by government leaders, business executives, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders who attended the event.

The ARTF is set to take place on 26 October 2026 under the theme 'Embracing Technology for Sustainable Business Growth'. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, this year's patron of the ARTF, expressed gratitude to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for her support of entrepreneurship in Namibia. Although Nandi-Ndaitwah was invited to the gala, she delegated Vice President Lucia Witbooi to represent her.

Ngurare announced that the President had directed the establishment of a watermelon processing plant in the Kavango East Region, with land already allocated by the Sambyu Traditional Authority. Efforts to actualize this project are underway with collaboration from the Executive Director in Ngurare's office, Petrus Sindimba, the University of Namibia, and project funders.

Vice President Witbooi, speaking at the event, expressed her expectation of raising over N$1 million for the trade fair, marking it as a first for the Rundu Town Council. On behalf of President Nandi-Ndaitwah, she called on various sectors to contribute to the trade fair's success.

Nandi-Ndaitwah encouraged investors to support Namibia's development through job creation, skill and technology transfer, and partnerships with local businesses. She urged businesses to explore opportunities beyond domestic markets, highlighting the benefits of regional integration and international markets.

The President emphasized that national and local development requires the collective efforts of government, businesses, and communities.