Africa-Press – Namibia. A total of N$740 600 was raised at the Ondangwa Trade Fair Gala Dinner hosted by the Ondangwa Town Council on Saturday, while the Olufuko gala dinner, also held on Saturday in Oupati, raked in N$1.2 million.
The aim of the gala dinners was to raise funds for the 12th edition of the Ondangwa Trade Fair, which is set to take place from 27 June to 5 July and the annual Olufuko festival scheduled to take place from 20 June to 1 July in Outapi in the Omusati region.
Speaking at the Ondangwa dinner, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said the Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition serves as a crucial platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services.
“By creating opportunities for networking and innovation, this initiative actively contributes to our nation’s Vision 2030, which aspires to make Namibia an industrialised country. I commend Ondangwa Town Council for its steadfast commitment to positioning Ondangwa as a hub for industrialisation and sustainable economic development…”
“May I also add that this industrialisation must take cognizance of the informal traders and deliberately create opportunities for them to harness their creative ingenuity for economic growth of their sector. I am mindful that Ondangwa town holds the key to the industrial and economic development of the northern part of the country,” he said.
Ngurare added that Ondangwa is endowed with vital economic infrastructure such as the rail, airport, industrial land ready for development and the transport link, linking the north with the rest of the country as well as with the populated Angolan market, just a few kilometres away.
He encouraged Namibian businesses to expand their presence in manufacturing and value addition, leveraging supportive government policies towards businesses, such as Infant Industries Protection, Growth at Home Strategy, Industrialisation Development Policy and Public Private Partnership, as well as Trade Promotion policies, to support the country’s efforts to optimize job creation and reduce vulnerability from external international commodity markets.
“I therefore call on all Offices, Ministries and Agencies of Government to ensure there exists a smooth relationship with our business community, especially Namibian entrepreneurs. In the same vein, I request our Namibian companies to be mindful that when you are dealing with government, bear in mind that it is your government. If there is a service to be delivered do so with honesty and urgency,” he stressed.
In addition, the Prime minister urged Namibians to support and invest in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), stating that this is the most effective way to promote their growth.
Culture
Speaking at the Olufuko gala dinner on Saturday, urban and rural development deputy minister Evelyn Nawases-Taeyele described the participation of the 112 girls as a strong testament to the enduring significance of Olufuko and the unwavering dedication of those committed to preserving and passing down cultural knowledge.
“These efforts reaffirm our dedication to honouring Namibia’s heritage while ensuring that cultural traditions continue to thrive in a modern and evolving society,” she said.
Taeyele further paid homage to the country’s Founding President and patron of the Olufuko Festival, the late Dr Sam Nujoma, for supporting the establishment of the festival.
Erginus Endjala, governor of Omusati region, could not hide the oddity of the absence of Nujoma at the Olufuko gala dinner for the first time since its inception. He described Olufuko as one of Namibia’s most treasured cultural legacies.
“Since its inception in 2012, the Olufuko Festival has grown to become more than just a celebration; it has become a movement that proudly preserves and promotes our indigenous traditions and culture,” said.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
