Ongwediva fair to host over 450 exhibitors

The Ongwediva Trade Fair Society will host over 450 local and international exhibitors from diverse sectors of the economy during the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF), this year.

Several exhibitors from East and West African countries, among them from Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana and Nigeria, are also expected to showcase their products at the fair.

Rebecca Hidulika, the chairperson of the Ongwediva Trade Fair Society said this during the OATF fundraising gala dinner at Ongwediva on Saturday.

The event raised over N$1,3 million to assist with the preparations for the fair.

“Looking back at the past year, hosting the OATF after a brutal pandemic was not an easy task, however I am so proud of the team that we are, the preparatory committee, the exhibitors, sponsors, stakeholders and visitors with a common purpose. Last year. OATF attracted over 400 local and international exhibitors, representing a fair number of the active economic sectors in the country, including the informal sector which is contributing significantly to our gross domestic product (GDP),” she said.

This year, the fair will be hosted under the theme ‘Embracing a sustainable economy, linking smart markets.

“When planning for the annual events, the Ongwediva Trade Fair Society strives to align its efforts towards national and regional development agenda. Thus, this theme is derived for the African Continental Free Trade Area, which presents a unique opportunity for African countries to embrace a sustainable economy. The theme also resonates with the government’s economic thrust which prioritises industrialisation and modernisation as fundamental aspects to sustainable economic growth as envisaged in the National Development Plans as well as the Harambee Prosperity Plan towards vision 2030,” said Hidulika.

Mobile telecommunications company, MTC, remains the official sponsor of the fair after donating over N$300 000, followed by First National Bank Namibia (N$200 000) and Road Fund Administration (N$135 000).

This year’s fair will take place from 25 August to 2 September.