• By Chollastic Tjehiua

The 14th Annual Okahandja Tourism and Trade Expo officially opened with renewed commitment to revitalize the town’s economy and promote growth that covers all its residents.  

The expo was earlier postponement out following the tragic killing of three young girls in Okahandja. Meanwhile, the town’s mayor Beatrice Kotungondo, indicated that they have enhance security measures throughout the town in light of the exposition. 

She added public movement will be restricted after the daily closing of the expo.  “The safety of our residents is a high priority for the municipality, and the event at the expo will end every day at 23H00. At noon, there will be no movement around the area of the expo or around town. If you are found, you have to answer to the police,” warned Kotungondo. 

Governor of the Otjozondjupa region, John //Khamuseb, described the expo as a transformative force in the region.  “The expo has over the past 13 years, evolved into a dynamic platform that not only highlights our region’s rich cultural tapestry and entrepreneurial capacity but also acts as a conduit for meaningful economic exchange, strategic partnerships, and inclusive development,” //Khamuseb explained. 

He noted: “The global pandemic served as a sobering reminder of our interconnectedness and vulnerabilities. Yet, it also revealed the extraordinary potential of innovation, digitalization, and human resilience. Across Namibia and the African continent, we are witnessing the emergence of new business models, creative industries, and technological solutions led by a generation of young entrepreneurs committed to shaping a better future.”

Chief executive officer of the municipality of Okahandja, Alphons Tjitombo, highlighted the expo’s strategic role in advancing the town’s development agenda. 

“We are proud to facilitate this expo as a strategic instrument for inclusive development embed in our strategic plan of the council under the objective of local economic development which states that the council will create an enabling environment for economic development to improve the economic vibrancy for the diverse community and private enterprises,” Tjitombo said.