Africa-Press – Namibia. The Ondangwa Town Council set the bar high when it successfully raised a remarkable N$885 070 in cash and pledges during the 2026 Ondangwa Trade Fair gala dinner on Saturday.
The aim of the gala dinner was to raise funds for the 13th edition of the Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition (OTIE), which is set to take place from 24 April to 2 May 2026 in Ondangwa.
Vice President Lucia Witbooi officiated the event. She said the OTIE has grown into an important platform for promoting entrepreneurship, stimulating trade and encouraging innovation among businesses, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
She noted that the 2026 exhibition marks the 13th edition, reflecting its growing impact on local economic development over the years.
“Trade and industrial exhibitions are critical drivers of economic growth and help to accelerate the development of local economies,” she said. Witbooi added that events such as the exhibition provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with markets, attract investment and build partnerships necessary for business expansion.
She also highlighted Ondangwa’s strategic advantages, including its transport links, railway line and airport, as well as the availability of serviced industrial land, which makes the town attractive to investors. “By supporting the Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition, you are helping to build a stronger, more prosperous and resilient economy for all Namibians,” Witbooi said.
She noted that the exhibition aligns with national development priorities such as Namibia Vision 2030 and NDP6, which emphasise economic diversification, entrepreneurship and industrial development.
OTIE has continued to record steady growth in participation.
In 2024, the exhibition attracted over 270 national and international exhibitors from sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, retail and small and medium enterprises.
The number increased further last year, reflecting growing confidence from both local and regional businesses.
Organisers have indicated that the number of exhibitors is expected to rise again this year as the event continues to expand its role as a key trade and investment platform in northern Namibia.
Members of the business community expressed frustration over the awarding of government tenders to foreign companies, particularly Chinese firms, which they say often do not give back to local communities or support local initiatives such as fundraising events organised by town councils.
Speaking during the fundraising gala dinner, businessman Josua Haimbodi questioned why smaller projects are frequently awarded to foreign contractors instead of Namibian companies capable of carrying out the work.
He even asked if any representatives from Chinese companies were present at the event to stand up, but none responded. Haimbodi called on the Vice President to engage government leaders on the matter.
He said large companies such as the Roads Contractor Company and other well-established firms should graduate from competing for smaller tenders that could instead be handled by emerging local contractors.
He added that his own company, ‘Emirates Construction’, has stopped bidding for smaller projects to create room for upcoming businesses to grow and generate employment.
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