Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair raises N$1,3m

More than N$1,3 million in pledges have been raised for the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF) during a fundraising gala dinner at Ongwediva on Saturday.

Mobile telecommunications operator MTC, which is the main sponsor of the OATF, pledged an amount of N$380 000, followed by Standard Bank Namibia with N$250 000, while First National Bank and Lucky Bet pledged N$150 000 each.

The OATF is due to take place from 23 to 31 August, and is being held under the theme ‘Bridging Tradition and Innovation’.

Ongwediva mayor Taarah Shalyefu said the development of the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair would not be complete without the socio-economic development of Ongwediva as an urban centre.

Shalyefu also indicated that the Ongwediva Town Council has adopted various strategic themes to propel the development of the town.
Shalyefu said three strategic themes directly related to the OATF are community development, local economic development and the preservation of the environment.

“We will soon unveil our strategic plan 2024 in which key areas of development are articulated, notably, the development of land for housing, expansion of services infrastructure, the construction of a multi-million sports facility and leisure park and the upgrading of our open market, just to mention a few,” he said.

Standard Bank north-west regional manager Hendrick van Wyk said the bank is proud to be identified with the OATF, which supports the growth and sustainability of small and medium Namibian business enterprises.

“In addition, the OATF provides active dialogue between all participants and establishing direct contact with buyers whose main aim is enhancing the development and strength of Namibia,” Van Wyk said.

The OATF is a platform that provides endless possibilities, he added.

At the same event, Oshana governor Elia Irimari launched an OATF competition in which a bull is up for grabs.