OSHAKATI – Business owners exhibiting at the ongoing Oshakati Totem Expo have commended the event for providing a platform to market their products, increase brand visibility and connect with new customers. 

The annual expo, which officially started today in Oshakati, has attracted exhibitors from various sectors, including agriculture, fashion, beauty, technology and food production. 

Participants say the exhibition is playing a key role in supporting local entrepreneurship and stimulating economic activity. 

Fashion designer Anna Michael said the expo has given her business an opportunity to reach customers from different parts of the country. 

“The expo helps us showcase our products to people who may not have known about our business before. We are meeting potential customers, building relationships and increasing awareness of our brands,” she said. 

Poultry farmer Petrus Nambahu said the event is not only about selling products but also about exchanging knowledge with fellow entrepreneurs. 

“We are interacting with other business owners and learning about new opportunities. Such events encourage collaboration and help us improve our businesses,” he said. 

Beauty entrepreneur Maria Hamutenya described the expo as an important marketing platform for small businesses. 

“The exposure we receive here is very valuable. Visitors are interested in our products and services, and many are becoming first-time customers. This helps us grow our client base,” she said. 

Johannes Shivute, who operates a technology solutions company, said the exhibition allows businesses to demonstrate innovations directly to the public. 

“We can engage customers face-to-face and explain how our services can help them. The response has been positive, and it creates opportunities for future partnerships,” he noted. 

Food vendor Selma Ashipala said the large number of visitors attending the expo has contributed to increased sales since the opening day. 

“The turnout has been encouraging and business has been good. Events like this create opportunities for small traders to generate income and reach more customers,” she said. 

Another exhibitor woodwork entrepreneur Tomas Haindongo said the expo has helped him showcase locally manufactured furniture and handcrafted products. 

“Many visitors are impressed by locally made products. The expo gives us confidence because people can see the quality of our work and place orders directly,” he said.