On August 24, 2025, Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, officially opened the 24th Edition of the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair in the Oshana Region, highlighting the event’s significance as a vital platform for Namibia’s economic advancement.
In her address, President Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed deep appreciation to the Ongwediva Town Council for hosting this flagship event and warmly welcomed a high-level delegation led by Her Excellency Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, Premier of Limpopo Province, South Africa. The President emphasized the importance of the strong bilateral cooperation under the Bi-National Commission between Namibia and South Africa and the Memorandum of Engagement linking the Oshana, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, and Omusati Regions of Namibia with Limpopo Province. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to regional economic integration and collaboration for the benefit of their peoples.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah lauded the presence of international exhibitors, particularly from Indonesia, which has consistently participated since the Trade Fair’s inception, contributing to its intercontinental stature. She encouraged Namibian businesses to leverage these international connections for mutual growth.
Marking its evolution since 2000, the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair today serves not only as an exhibition space but also as a hub for enterprise development, policy dialogue, and investment opportunities. This year’s theme, “Innovate-Connect-Prosper,” encapsulates Namibia’s national economic transformation journey and drives collective efforts towards sustainable growth and inclusive development.
The fair showcased a diverse range of sectors, including energy, fisheries, health, finance, arts and crafts, with new representations in aviation and digital innovation, signaling its alignment with emerging global trends. The event significantly supports the Economic Growth, Transformation, and Resilience Pillar of Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan, particularly emphasizing youth employment, local value addition, and digital transformation.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah noted with pride that 70% of exhibitors are women and 60% youth, reflecting the Trade Fair’s role in empowering these crucial demographics. The participation of 450 exhibitors, including 26 international delegates from nations such as Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Botswana, and South Africa, highlights the fair’s growing international appeal and its contribution to regional and continental integration in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Business-to-Business matchmaking sessions aimed at facilitating knowledge exchange between South African and Namibian entrepreneurs were also emphasized as a crucial component for fostering tangible developmental outcomes.
While celebrating progress, the President also acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly those related to infrastructure gaps in transport by land, water, and air, which impede full realization of the African Continental Free Trade Area’s potential. She called on governments, the private sector, and business communities to intensify investment in continental infrastructure development, which is pivotal to achieving the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Addressing Namibia’s specific context, the President emphasized continued improvements in road infrastructure and stressed the need for enhanced rail and air services, including the reintroduction of a national airline. With the recent discovery of oil, gas, and critical minerals, she urged integration of these sectors into trade fairs to raise awareness and enable local participation in providing essential services and local content.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah called on financial institutions, training centers, and innovation hubs to intensify efforts in providing youth with access to financing, mentorship, and skills training to prepare them for traditional and emerging industries.
Concluding her speech, the President urged all participants to engage, collaborate, and build partnerships to foster shared prosperity. She congratulated the Ongwediva leadership and organizing committee for orchestrating a resourceful event and declared the 24th Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair officially open, expressing confidence that through commitment and integrity, Namibia can achieve a prosperous future for all its people.
With these words, Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah set the stage for a transformative and collaborative event aimed at driving Namibia’s economic growth and regional integration.
She thanked all attendees and participants for their contributions to this important occasion.
