ONGWEDIVA, Namibia, Aug. 25 — Namibia‘s biggest trade fair, the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF), has demonstrated a trajectory of sustained economic transformation and a boost to trade for the southern African nation, said President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Speaking at the official opening on Sunday, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the trade fair has evolved into a national flagship and investment platform that integrates policy, entrepreneurship, business, and government services.
“Today, this platform serves not only as an exhibition ground but also as a hub for enterprise development, policy dialogue, and investment opportunities,” she said.
The 24th edition of the OATF, held under the theme “Innovate, Connect, Prosper,” features a diverse array of offerings from the government, policy, agriculture, business, energy, creativity, and art sectors, with 450 exhibitors participating this year.
For the first time, it also includes representation from the aviation and digital innovation sectors. Among the total exhibitors, 26 are from other countries, including Tanzania, South Africa, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Indonesia, and Botswana.
The president emphasized that the trade fair is part of ongoing efforts for business and trade reforms, supporting the government’s aspirations outlined in the sixth National Development Plan, particularly on youth employment, local value addition, and digital transformation.
This year, about 70 percent of the exhibitors at the OATF are women, and 60 percent are youth. These, according to Nandi-Ndaitwah, are not just numbers but evidence of progress in shaping an inclusive future.
In the meantime, according to the president, the trade fair, now a hub for economic development, also sets the stage for enhanced intra-African trade as the continent aims to increase trade.
The OATF, first launched in 2000, runs from Aug. 22 to 30, and is poised to play a crucial role in Namibia‘s continued push toward economic reform and sustainable growth.
