Namibia hosts first branding, marketing indaba, focusing on AI for the future

Namibia has for the first time hosted its largest communications and marketing indaba through Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) in Windhoek on Wednesday, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI).

The three-day event brought together about 500 delegates, including marketing and branding experts, students and representatives from various organisations.

Speaking at the event, MTC corporate affairs manager John Nekongo said the MTC Branding and Marketing Indaba is a collection of industry experts bringing people together to talk about branding and marketing.

“The objective of the event is for the collective societies in Namibia that work in

marketing and branding industries to discuss topics of relevance, trends and to discuss how we can best can optimise these industries,” he said.

The event also saw various exhibitonions showcasing products and services.

South African brand and marketing guru Thebe Ikalafeng, founder of Brand Africa, was also present.

The three-day event saw opening discussions that focused on various topics like ‘Act Like a Human, Think like a Brand’, the role of AI in digital marketing and building brands and making connections.

South African marketing executive Sithembile Ntombela spoke on unpacking brands and lessons for Namibia.

She emphasised on the importance of building a strong national brand, rooted in identity.

Some speakers also shared messages on the importance of building trust and staying connected to the needs of today’s consumers.

The event featured a panel discussion focused on building a unified national brand.

Poiyah Media founder Ilke Platt spoke on the current lack of consistency in how Namibia is represented.

“If you were to ask us what brand Namibia looks like, I think all of us would have 50 different slogans questions, messages and opinions,’’ stated Platt.

The delegates also had a chance to network, ask questions and share ideas.