The Ongwediva Town Council has announced that the 2022 Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair is scheduled to take place from 26 August to 1 September.
The popular fair has not taken place during the last two years because of the restrictions enforced to curb Covid-19.
The council’s spokesperson Jackson Muma said the main event is normally preceded by a fundraising gala dinner and an official launch, which this year is planned to take place on 30 July 2022 at the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre.
He added that at least 350 exhibitors from various economic sectors, locally and internationally, are expected to showcase their products and services on the ground, with the option of a virtual exhibition.
“The inclusion of the virtual exhibition platform cements the OATF’s objective of being a proactive force and a vehicle for Namibia’s economic growth by promoting quality products and services through technological evolution,” Muma noted.
The virtual format is an alternative method of the online exhibition, signifying the need to transform from the traditional way of conducting business to a modernised way of online business networking, hence the theme ‘Gearing for a Smart Economy’.
“Since it is the first time that the Ongwediva annual trade fair is being conducted in a hybrid format, the organising committee is excited to introduce the concept and set new trends in the exhibition industry in the country,” enthused Muma.
The virtual fair is a platform that helps organisations reach global audiences.
“The platform offers an intuitive virtual experience, along with interactive features such as audio/video chat. The virtual trade fair speaks to current realities dictated by various factors, including the ever-changing technological environment, and reaching out to wider regional and international markets,” he added.
Corporate entities, governments, SME’s, local traders, entrepreneurs, international businesses, investors and organisations are expected to participate in this year’s trade fair.
He said some of the exciting line-ups include several business networking events, seminars and workshops – with an emphasis on resurrecting the local economy and propelling economic growth.
“The OATF is Namibia’s largest and long-standing multi-sectoral trade and business exposition that is annually hosted by the Ongwediva trade fair society, in conjunction with the Ongwediva town council and in collaboration with various public and private stakeholders,” he stated.
Muma further explained that the objective of the trade fair is to promote trade and facilitate business interaction between various role-players locally and internationally.
Now, more than ever before, the business community and individuals are encouraged to be innovative to ensure that businesses thrive under the current global health challenges, which affect all aspects of life.
The 20th anniversary of the OATF is a significant milestone in the Namibian trade promotion industry, with the impact on local economic development being visible and indeed a worthy celebration.
OATF 2022 offers an opportunity to redefine its brand value and explore new and innovative ways to create connections and networks of trade between local market players and Namibia and the world. Applications for exhibitions are already opened, and exhibitors are encouraged to submit their applications before 30 May 2022.
Applications can be obtained from the OATF website www.oatf.com.na, or by enquiring at info@oatf.com.na / ongwetradefair@iway.na
– vkaapanda@nepc.com.na