ONGWEDIVA – After a two-year hiatus prompted by Covid-19, the popular Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF) has returned, and about 400 exhibitors from various economic sectors – both locally and internationally – are expected to showcase their products and services at the event.
The OATF is Namibia’s largest long-standing multi-sectional trade and business exposition, annually hosted by the Ongwediva Trade Fair Society in conjunction with the Ongwediva Town Council and collaboration with various public and private stakeholders.
The event, set for 26 August to 1 September at the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre, will also see a celebration of its 20 years in existence.
Speaking at the event’s gala dinner hosted over the weekend, the Ongwediva Town Council’s spokesperson Jackson Muma said this year’s event is expected to be bigger than the previous events, as industry players from all economic sectors will be present.
“Since we haven’t had the trade fair for the past two years, this year, we are expecting to attract more businesses from different corners of the country and outside, as well as SMEs and corporate institutions to come in numbers, and be creative and come up with products that are conforming to the theme of the event,” he said.
Themed ‘Gearing for a smart economy’, Muma said more companies in the ICT sector are expected to show up in large numbers.
“This is to maximise the existence of technology and also make sure their products are visible in the market,” said Muma.
During the gala dinner that was attended by different stakeholders from various institutions, the OATF raised funds of N$1.7 million.
The majority of the funds were pledged by MTC, who gave a whooping amount of N$550 000.
Speaking at the same event, MTC’s corporate affairs manager John Ekongo called on emerging businesses to shift gears toward smart economies.
“And while this seems to be a race against time for some businesses, this stage has been long coming and inevitable. Smart economies have one aim: to improve the quality of the life of all citizens,” he added. – ashikololo@nepc.com.na