Newly appointed minister of international relations and trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi says entrepreneurship remains at the core of transformation in the tourism industry.
Ashipala-Musavyi’s comments came from a statement read on her behalf by deputy minister Jenelly Matundu at the press release launch of the 14th edition of the annual Tourism and Trade Expo on Thursday at Okahandja.
The expo will be held at the Okahandja Stadium from 29 April to 3 May.
“We empower individuals to turn their ideas into thriving businesses, creating employment opportunities and driving economic prosperity. This year’s expo will highlight groundbreaking solutions from entrepreneurs, including eco-friendly tourism initiatives and digital trade platforms that connect local artisans with global markets,”Ashipala-Musavyi said.
She said tourism and trade are vital engines of the Namibian economy as they create jobs, foster community development and promote cultural exchange. Over the past 13 years, Ashipala-Musavyi said the expo has played a pivotal role in bringing together local businesses, entrepreneurs and international partners.
“As we move into this 14th edition, we acknowledge the challenges we have faced, particularly in recent years.
The global pandemic tested our resilience and forced us to rethink our approaches. However, adversity has also sparked innovation, compelling us to explore new avenues for growth and adaptation,” Ashipala-Musavyi said.
Speaking at the launch, Otjozondjupa governor Julius
//Khamuseb said 2025 marks a pivotal moment, as the expo is being revived in response to calls from the community and stakeholders.
He said the theme for this year’s event, ‘Reviving Okahandja Expo: Empowering Entrepreneurship through Innovation,’ encapsulates the government’s commitment to fostering an environment where creativity and business acumen can thrive.
“By focusing on innovation, we aim to inspire entrepreneurs to explore new ideas, adopt cutting-edge technologies and develop sustainable practices that will benefit not only their businesses but also our broader community,” //Khamuseb said.
Since its launch with 60 exhibitors and 3 000 visitors in 2009, the Okahandja Tourism and Trade Expo has grown, hosting 97 exhibitors and 9 000 visitors in 2013.
“This trajectory demonstrates not only the increasing interest in our expo but also highlights the potential for economic development within our region.
In 2014, despite challenges faced by many sectors, we maintained a strong presence with 95 exhibitors,” //Khamuseb said.
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