SWAKOPMUND – The Amalgamated Rotation Annual Festival is set to return next week, promising to be bigger and better than before. ARAF was established after Omaruru, Karibib and Usakos agreed in 2022 to promote collaboration and resource-sharing by jointly hosting their trade expo named OKULAC (Omaruru, Karibib, Usakos Local Authority Corporation).
The inaugural festival was held in Omaruru last year, and was regarded a huge success, as it provided local entrepreneurs with a platform to innovate and diversify their products and services.
This initiative not only helps businesses increase their return on investment, but also allows them to explore opportunities within the African market.
The chairperson of OKULAC Valentinus Sindongo said Karibib will this year host the festival.
Usakos is scheduled to hold the event next year.
“This year’s ARAF will be held under the theme ‘Bigger, Better, Broader’. The festival aims to drive economic integration by reducing trade barriers, improving access to goods and services, boosting consumer spending power, and fostering market expansion within the region,” he said.
The joint festival will start next Wednesday, and end on Sunday.
He said local authorities play a pivotal role in promoting local economic development by developing infrastructure, and extending services to residents.
However, their efforts are often constrained by resource limitations.
“Therefore, initiatives to attract investment are highly commendable, as they enhance the capacities of local authorities to create employment and stimulate economic growth,” Sindongo said.
The event provides a vital platform for local businesses, corporations, small and medium enterprises as well as farmers to showcase their products and services directly to residents and visitors. This year’s edition is expected to create more employment opportunities for locals, and to generate revenue for participating entrepreneurs.
The official opening will take place next week Thursday. It will be followed by a small miners’ information session on Friday. A boxing bonanza and a music show by local artists will be held on Friday evening.
The agricultural show will start on Saturday morning, while a comedy show and a music bash will take place later that day.
A gospel show is also expected to take place on Sunday to close off the activities.
Applications for outside small and medium enterprises as well as corporate and agricultural exhibitors are still open.
Interested parties can contact Melody !Gontes or Jennifer Ecklund via ledofficer@karibibtown.org/jenniferecklundpcv@gmail.com or 081 162 4302 for more information.
-edeklerk@nepc.com.na