Allexer Namundjembo
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged businesses at the 24th Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF) to innovate, collaborate, and use the platform to expand into continental markets.
Speaking at the official opening under the theme “Innovate – Connect – Prosper”, she also encouraged entrepreneurs, SMEs, and town councils to showcase products and build partnerships.
“I encourage all participants to use this platform to engage, collaborate, and forge partnerships that foster shared prosperity,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah described the trade fair as a vital platform for enterprise development, policy dialogue, and investment opportunities.
“Trade fairs are opportunities for business people to learn from one another, understand the demands of the market, and make a meaningful contribution to the economic development of the country,” she said.
She called on Namibian businesses to embrace cross-border partnerships through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and seize opportunities such as the Intra-African Trade Fair in Algeria.
“I implore the Namibian business community to leverage the Intra-African Trade Fair. The ideas that will come out of these engagements must translate into tangible results for shared development,” she said.
She also highlighted the need to prepare for emerging industries such as oil, gas, and critical minerals by investing in training and innovation.
“We must start now to develop the necessary skills for these industries. Financial institutions, training centres and innovation hubs must scale up programmes that give young people access to finance, mentoring and training,” she said.
She noted that aviation and digital sectors are represented at the fair for the first time and urged entrepreneurs to embrace digital innovation and local value addition.
Deputy prime minister and minister of industries, mines and energy, Natangwe Iithete supported her message.
“Trade fairs expose, promote, and connect value-added products with markets, partners, and investors. They build confidence in Namibian goods, thereby creating demand at home and abroad,” he said.
This year’s OATF has attracted 450 exhibitors, including 26 international participants. The programme includes business-to-business matchmaking sessions, sectoral exhibitions, and knowledge exchange to strengthen enterprise development and continental trade.
