from ALFRED SHILONGO in Windhoek, Namibia
Namibia Bureau
WINDHOEK, (CAJ News) – NAMIBIA’S flagship trade and innovation showcase, the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair, has taken a significant leap forward with the inclusion of digital and technology sector exhibitors for the first time.
The milestone reflects the country’s growing commitment to digital transformation and innovation-driven growth.
Officially opening the 24th edition of the trade fair on Sunday, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah welcomed the expansion, noting that sectors such as aviation and digital innovation were critical to Namibia’s future.
“I am particularly pleased to note that aviation and digital innovation are also represented for the first time. This demonstrates that the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair continues to evolve in step with emerging trends and future demands,” she said.
The president emphasized that the fair contributes directly to the Economic Growth, Transformation and Resilience Pillar of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), with a focus on youth employment, local value addition, and digital transformation.
This year’s theme, “Innovate–Connect–Prosper,” underscores Namibia’s broader economic transformation journey.
Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted that the platform not only links businesses to markets but also supports the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly those led by women and young people.
The 2025 edition has attracted 450 exhibitors, including 26 international participants from Botswana, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Notably, 70 percent of exhibitors are women-led, while 60 percent are youth-headed, underscoring Namibia’s efforts to promote inclusive economic participation.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, who became Namibia’s first female president in March 2025, reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to addressing gender imbalances in the economy, with special attention to the technology sector.
She said the inclusion of digital innovators at the Ongwediva fair marked an important step in equipping Namibia for a competitive role in the regional and global digital economy.
— CAJ News