Justicia Shipena
Vice president Lucia Witbooi says the availability of serviced industrial land in Ondangwa creates opportunities for businesses to expand production and investment.
She called on businesses and development partners to support the 2026 Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition, adding that trade exhibitions help stimulate local economies.
“Trade and industrial exhibitions are drivers of economic growth and help to accelerate the development of local economies,” she said during a fundraising gala dinner held in Ondangwa over the weekend ahead of the 2026 Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition.
The exhibition will take place from 24 April to 2 May 2026.
Witbooi said the event, now in its 13th year, has developed into a platform that supports entrepreneurship and trade.
“Over the years, Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition has evolved into a platform for promoting entrepreneurship, stimulating trade and encouraging innovation among businesses, particularly our micro, small and medium enterprises,” she said.
She said Ondangwa has the potential to become a centre for industrial development and trade.
According to Witbooi, the town’s railway line, airport and transport links support trade and logistics.
She said the town’s location near northern regional markets and the wider Southern African Development Community region positions Ondangwa as a gateway for cross-border trade.
The theme for this year’s exhibition is “Connecting Local Trade to the World”.
Witbooi said the theme aligns with the government’s focus on expanding exports and strengthening regional and global value chains.
She said small and medium enterprises play a role in job creation and economic participation.
The fundraising gala dinner aimed to raise funds to support the organisation of the exhibition.
The event aimed to raise more funds than the N$740 000 collected last year.
Funds will support logistics, marketing and training programmes for businesses participating in the exhibition.
Witbooi also outlined plans to develop the Ondangwa Trade and Exhibition Centre into a convention venue capable of hosting conferences and business events throughout the year.
“With sufficient investment, this centre will host conferences, business forums and regional and international events,” she said.
She urged businesses and partners to support the initiative.
“Your contributions will empower micro, small and medium enterprises, stimulate local economic development and contribute to Namibia’s industrialisation journey,” she said.
The Ondangwa Trade Fair also provides a platform for businesses to connect and explore new opportunities.
The chairperson of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry branch in Ondangwa, Mario Upite, said the exhibition goes beyond showcasing products and services.
“The Ondangwa Trade Fair is more than an exhibition of products and services. It is a platform where ideas meet opportunities, where business connects and where partnerships that shape the future of our economy are formed,” he said.
He told exhibitors and business leaders have shown commitment to the event over the years.
“We have witnessed creativity, resilience and commitment from our exhibitors and business leaders,” Upite said.
Upite said the NCCI will continue supporting businesses and promoting collaboration.
