Auleria Wakudumo
ONGWEDIVA – The Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF) is set to welcome a growing international presence this year.
Countries such as Ghana, Japan, Indonesia and others are confirmed to participate in the 2025 edition of the iconic trade event.
This development marks a significant milestone for the trade fair, which has grown from humble beginnings into one of Namibia’s foremost platforms for trade, investment and innovation.
The Ongwediva Town Council set the bar high when it successfully raised a remarkable N$1.6 million in cash and pledges during the 2025 Ongwediva Trade Fair gala dinner on Saturday.
The aim of the gala dinner was to raise funds for the 25th edition of the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF), which is set to take place in August this year in Ongwediva.
Ongwediva mayor Taarah Shalyefu described the event as more than a celebration.
He called it a moment of reflection on the legacy of the trade fair and a rallying call to shape its new chapter.
The chairperson of the OATF preparatory committee Rebekka Hidulika stated that the Ongwediva Trade Fair started 25 years ago as a regional initiative to stimulate entrepreneurship.
She said the initiative has now grown into a national and increasingly international event.
“With over 1 500 exhibitor applications received annually, the trade fair continues to outgrow its current infrastructure.
Only 485 exhibitors can be accommodated, meaning hundreds are turned away each year due to limited spaces,” she noted.
This year’s trade fair will be held under the theme ‘Innovate-Connect-Prosper’, highlighting the trade fair’s focus on creativity, collaboration and economic growth.
Among the new features of the 2025 edition is the extension of the business forum to two full days, including ‘Business-to-Business Matchmaking Sessions’ with a high level of delegation from South Africa’s Limpopo province.
“This is a testament to the role OATF is playing in shaping regional economic integration,” said Hidulika.
The Ongwediva Town Council called on development partners, sponsors and the business community to continue investing in the trade fair, stressing the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades and long-term support to meet growing demand.
“We are proud of how far we have come, but we know we must do more. The future of OATF is bright. With the support of our partners, we are ready to take this platform to even greater heights,” she remarked.