President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Monday met the organising committee of the Omaludi Agricultural Festival at State House, where she reaffirmed government support for the event.
The president also pledged to continue championing community-driven initiatives despite her elevation to the highest office.
The delegation from the Okongo Village Council, led by chairperson Tuhafeni Shapopi and CEO Jackson Muma, briefed Nandi-Ndaitwah on preparations for this year’s festival and sought her guidance in her capacity as patron.
“I really appreciate you travelling all the way from Okongo to here just to give us a briefing on the preparation of this event,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She used the meeting to stress continuity in her engagement with grassroots initiatives, saying her assumption of the Presidency would not distance her from projects she supported before taking office.
“The work I have been doing before I became president, I am not going to dump on the people. I will continue,” she said.
The Omaludi Agricultural Festival, which Nandi-Ndaitwah has served as patron since 2018, grew into a key platform for rural development, combining agriculture, culture and business to stimulate local economies. “We thought it was important to come and meet Your Excellency to ask for guidance and blessing when it comes to the Omaludi Festival and also to update you on the latest developments,” said Shapopi.
This year’s festival will take place from 25 to 30 May near the Okongo airstrip, with preparations already underway. The gala dinner is scheduled for Saturday.
The 2026 edition will be held under the theme ‘Agriculture and Tourism for Sustainable Economic Growth’, which reflects a deliberate effort to link farming with tourism as complementary drivers of rural economies.
“The theme highlights the essential role that farming plays in driving inclusive development while positioning tourism as a key partner in unlocking the potential of rural economies,” he said.
Briefing
Speaking shortly after a meeting the president, Shapopi said the event did not take place last year due to challenges linked to the airstrip, which doubles as the festival’s venue.
“We did not have that activity last year because we had some challenges with the airstrip, where we are operating from,” Shapopi stated.
Despite the setback, the Council has opted to host this year’s edition at the same location, while finalising plans for a permanent site expected to be ready next year. “Now that she [Nandi-Ndaitwah] is the head of state, we have to make sure that everything we do is professional. If we fail, we fail the nation,” he added.
Beyond its ceremonial value, the Omaludi Agricultural Festival is increasingly being positioned as an economic catalyst for the town and surrounding communities.
“It boosts the town economically and puts our town on the map. When people come, they also explore Okongo. It is a developing town, but it is fast growing,” he said.
In line with its agricultural focus, the Council has already set aside land to support farming initiatives within the town. About 30 plots have been made available for individuals interested in venturing into agriculture, particularly young people.