Niël Terblanché
Nearly N$750,000 was raised during a fundraising gala dinner on Saturday at the Ondangwa Trade Fair Centre.
The event aimed to support the 12th Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition, scheduled from 27 June to 5 July 2025.
The theme for this year’s exhibition is “Building Resilient Industries Through Innovation and Smart Partnerships”.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare opened the pledge with a N$5 000 donation. Contributions followed from corporate entities, government institutions, and private individuals, bringing the total to N$740 600.
Ngurare told attendees that exhibitions like the one in Ondangwa play a key role in national development.
“The Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition serves as a crucial platform for our entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services. By creating opportunities for networking and innovation, this initiative actively contributes to our nation’s Vision 2030,” he said.
He urged Namibian businesses to take a larger role in manufacturing and value addition.
“I encourage Namibian businesses to expand their presence in manufacturing and value addition, leveraging supportive government policies towards businesses,” Ngurare said.
He pointed to policies such as the Infant Industries Protection, the Growth at Home strategy, and the Industrialisation Development Policy.
Ngurare also called on government ministries and agencies to work closely with local entrepreneurs.
“I request our Namibian companies to be mindful that when you are dealing with the government, bear in mind that it is your government. If there is a service to be delivered, do so with honesty and urgency,” he said.
Ngurare highlighted Ondangwa’s location and infrastructure as important for the northern economy.
“Ondangwa is endowed with vital economic infrastructure such as the rail, airport, industrial land ready for development and the transport link,” he said.
He praised traditional leaders and local authorities for their role in driving local economic efforts, calling it the “kamanakandongo” of reducing poverty, unemployment, and hunger.
Ngurare stressed the role of exhibitions in promoting innovation and wealth creation.
“Your support will foster economic opportunities for our nation. The economic benefits and spin-offs from this event will be felt by all in Ondangwa,” he said.
The trade fair is expected to attract a variety of local and international exhibitors.
