Africa-Press – Namibia. The town of Katima Mulilo came alive on Wednesday as the Zambezi Bream Festival and Cultural Expo 2025 officially opened.
Zambezi governor Dorothy Kabula urged stakeholders to embrace business collaboration as a catalyst for local economic growth.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Kabula described the festival as more than just a week of celebration.
“This festival goes beyond a week of fun. It stands as a statement of who we are. It creates a platform where our culture and business converge – where tradition finds expression, and where the heartbeat of Zambezi is felt through music, dance, food and community,” she said.
Held under the theme ‘Empowering Local Economies through Business Collaboration’, the festival underscores the importance of partnerships in driving sustainable development.
Kabula emphasised that meaningful progress is built on collaboration across all sectors.
“Platforms such as these open doors to trade opportunities and strengthen ties between all types of businesses. By working together, we unlock the full potential of our local economy and position our region as a vibrant hub for sustainable development and inclusive growth,” she stated.
She commended the Katima Mulilo Town Council for its leadership in establishing the festival as a growing tradition.
She added that the event is a celebration of both cultural heritage and economic innovation.
“We are all here to honour the Zambezi Bream, a fish that forms part of our everyday lives – what we eat, how we earn a living and the stories we share. The bream isn’t just food on our plates. It represents our connection to the great Zambezi River, our economic survival and the depth of our cultural identity,” she said.
Highlighting the festival’s role in empowering local artisans, farmers, youth and women entrepreneurs, Kabula encouraged all stakeholders to look beyond the festivities and focus on long-term opportunities. “This festival must serve as a platform for meaningful advancement, opening doors for trade, investment, cultural exchange and economic empowerment for all participants,” she stressed.
She called on business leaders, development partners and the wider community to support the Zambezi Bream Festival not only during the event but throughout the year.
“Let us work together to transform it into a socio-economic and cultural force that drives development not only in our region but across the nation,” Kabula urged.
She expressed appreciation to local leaders, sponsors, churches, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the media for their unwavering support in making the festival a success.
She reminded the audience of the power of unity.
“While we may hold different views or come from diverse backgrounds, our diversity should not divide us. Instead, it should strengthen our unity and enrich our shared purpose,” she said.’ Kabula reaffirmed her commitment to the festival’s growth and its role in telling the Zambezi story to Namibia and the world.
The Zambezi Bream Festival & Cultural Expo will run for a week, showcasing local cuisine, crafts, performances and business exhibitions aimed at fostering local economic development.
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