• By Stefanus Nashama

The Ondangwa Town Council has successfully raised over N$740 000 through its trade and industrial exhibition fundraising gala dinner, held last Sunday.  The town’s spokesperson Petrina Shitalangaho-Mutikisha shared the news with Confidente on Thursday. The event, officiated by Prime Minister Dr. Elijah Ngurare was aimed at supporting the upcoming Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition.

Shitalangaho-Mutikisha said the funds will go towards logistics, marketing and publicity, exhibitor support, infrastructure, entertainment, hospitality and administrative costs. “The gala dinner was a strategic platform to engage key stakeholders such as government officials, business leaders, sponsors, investors, and community leaders,” Shitalangaho-Mutikisha explained. 

She also highlighted that the event reintroduced the exhibition’s objectives while generating excitement and media attention. 
Additionally, she mentioned that the event recognised current sponsors and showcased past success stories, reinforcing public-private collaboration in local economic development.

Speaking at the gala dinner, Ngurare encouraged Namibian businesses to take a more active role in shaping policies that affect the business sector. He emphasised that such engagements would support the country’s efforts to optimize job creation and reduce vulnerability to external economic shocks.

 According to the prime minister, it is important to foster strong, cooperative relationships between the government and the private sector, especially with Namibian entrepreneurs. “I urge Namibian companies to engage more actively in international commodity markets.  I also call on all government offices, ministries, and agencies to ensure a supportive and transparent environment for businesses.

Companies should remember that when they deal with the government, they are dealing with their own government. If a service is to be delivered, it must be done with honesty and urgency,” said Ngurare.