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Staff Reporter VICE President Lucia Witbooi officially opened the Eighth Edition of the Rundu Annual Trade Fair in the Kavango East region, under the theme “Empowering Enterprises for Sustainable Growth.” In her address, Witbooi commended the Rundu Town Council, stakeholders, and sponsors for their teamwork in making the event possible, saying their efforts demonstrate the power of collaboration in driving local development. “This important exhibition celebrates the contribution of businesses and service providers across all sectors of the economy, both public and private, by showcasing their services and bringing them closer to the people,” she said. Photos: Vice President of Namibia Witbooi added that the 2025 trade fair has drawn exhibitors from across Namibia and beyond its borders, reflecting growing interest in regional economic cooperation and entrepreneurship. She emphasised that the theme of this year’s event aligns with the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and Vision 2030, which prioritise industrialisation, value addition, innovation, and entrepreneurship as drivers of sustainable growth. “The Rundu Annual Trade Fair provides a vital platform for enterprises to display their products, attract investment, and build networks that strengthen our national economy. It is where creativity meets opportunity and communities come together to shape their future,” Witbooi said. The vice president described Rundu as one of Namibia’s fastest-growing towns, strategically located along the Kavango River and neighbouring Angola. She highlighted its vast potential in sectors such as agribusiness, tourism, culture, logistics, housing, fisheries, renewable energy, and manufacturing, noting that continued investment could transform it into a regional trade hub. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that stimulate economic development and job creation at the grassroots level, calling on the business community to seize the opportunities presented by the trade fair. “I encourage the business community to innovate, collaborate, and invest in industries that will transform our economy and improve livelihoods,” Witbooi urged. “Regional leadership must continue to support this event wholeheartedly, as it benefits not only the local economy but the entire region.” Witbooi further encouraged exhibitors to showcase their best products and innovations, saying trade fairs play a vital role in promoting products, creating business connections, and strengthening brand visibility. She concluded by describing the Rundu Annual Trade Fair as “a symbol of progress and partnership” that demonstrates what can be achieved through unity between government, the private sector, and communities. “With these remarks, it is my honour and privilege to declare the Eighth Edition of the Rundu Annual Trade Fair officially open,” Witbooi said.
