Maria David
Africa-Press – Namibia. The Annual Ongwediva Trade Fair raised a total of over N$1.3 million for the successful hosting of the town’s fair during a fundraising event held on Saturday at the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre.
The 22nd edition of the OATF, which is being held under the theme “Embracing a sustainable economy linking smart markets,” is slated for the 25th of August to the 2nd of September 2023.
MTC, as the main sponsor, pledged an amount of N$385,000 for the successful hosting of the annual trade fair.
Guest speaker Tshali Iithete said Ongwediva continues to grow, which results in the development of the town.
Iithete indicated that the population growth has also seen much-needed services being brought close to the people, ranging from education to the health sector.
“This has created Ongwediva as an economic hub, where opportunities are found, as the economic sector of the town has grown,” he said.
He added that Namibians need to embrace assisting the youth as they are the ones holding the economy, and they need to be empowered.
According to Iithete, smart markets enable them to be well-connected and ensure that data is analyzed to know where improvement is needed for the development of the country.
Iithete then called on the business community to ensure that the pioneers who brought business to the town are listed in the town’s Wall of Fame for business people.
MTC spokesperson Erasmus Nekundi said that over the past 15 years, MTC has committed to supporting the OATF.
Nekundi said that it is because they recognize the value that this fair brings in terms of business stimulation, employment, wealth creation, and overall national economic build-up.
“As MTC, we recognize the OATF for its futuristic and radical transformation,” he said, adding that last year they had a hybrid exhibition where exhibitors could showcase their trades both physically and online.
Hence, Nekundi said that progressive business practice is in alignment with MTC’s stance and drive towards digitalization.
Ongwediva Mayor Taarah Shalyefu said that Ongwediva is the town of opportunities.
Shalyefu indicated that the trade fair is being held with the purpose of ensuring that they promote economic development through improving service delivery in the town.
“The hosting of OATF continues to define the nature and character of our strategic efforts which for years has demonstrated unmatched capabilities to attract unique and sustainable development to Ongwediva Town,” he said.
He added that the council is on the move to persistently and consistently create opportunities aimed at promoting deliberate economic development, abetted by quality investments, smart business collaborations, and improved service delivery.
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