Auleria Wakudumo
Minister of Urban and Rural Development James Sankwasa said trade expos should go beyond exhibitions and deliver real economic outcomes.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Minister, Eveline !Nawases at Okahandja Tourism and Trade Expo, Sankwasa challenged stakeholders to turn talk into tangible investments.
Sankwasa described Okahandja as a strategically positioned gateway with strong prospects in both tourism and trade. He described the expo as a cultural heritage and location along key economic corridors.
However, he stressed that potential alone is not enough.
“Development is a shared responsibility. I am calling for stronger collaboration between government, the private sector and local communities to drive inclusive growth,” he said.
The Minister outlined key priorities, including infrastructure development, support for SMEs, investment promotion and capacity building.
Sankwasa added that improved services, such as roads, housing, sanitation, and service delivery, are essential to creating an enabling environment for business.
He highlighted tourism as a critical growth sector. Sankwasa noted that Okahandja’s crafts market and cultural sites position it as a potential must visit destination.
However, Sankwasa cautioned that tourism cannot grow in isolation without strong trade networks and quality services.
He urged investors and business leaders to seize opportunities presented at the expo, not only by investing in business but also by contributing to community development.
“Let us trade not only goods but ideas and partnerships,” he said.
Sankwasa called on the community to pay for municipal services. He explained that revenue collection is key to enabling further development, particularly in informal settlements.
He further encouraged Okahandja to pursue public-private partnerships to accelerate infrastructure development and stimulate economic growth.
Sankwasa further expressed that many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) struggle to enter the investment space, but platforms like the expo should serve as practical starting points.
The 15th annual Okahandja Tourism and Trade Expo was held this year under the theme ‘Experience Okahandja’.
The expo focused on unlocking the town’s economic potential.
-awakudumo@nepc.com.na