The youth of Ongwediva can hardly sit still as they await the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair, set to kick off on Friday.
Billed to run until 1 September 2022, the popular trade fair is one of the biggest events annually in northern Namibia.
It is returning after a two-year absence, following the lifting of Covid-19 regulations earlier this year that were in place since 2020 when the entire world was hit with the life-threatening coronavirus, which forced many businesses, schools, churches, travel and other events.
The trade fair is well-liked by the youth, as they get a chance to socialise with their peers while also exploring their entrepreneurial selves.
One such young entrepreneur is Kaleb Nghishidivali of KingKaleb Media Productions.
“I am very proud; it was my first time applying, and I was approved. I know the OATF is one of Namibia’s largest and long-standing multi-sectoral trade and business exposition that is annually hosted by the Ongwediva Town Council. Due to Covid-19, we experienced a gap of two years without this. This will be my time to shine,” said Nghishidivali confidently.
His objective is to promote information and communication business interaction between various role-players locally and internationally.
Nghishidivali said he will use the trade fair to promote his business that ventures in writing company profiles, academic writing, business proposals, proofreading, editing, graphic design and digital convention of CD to DVD.
“I, therefore, call on people from different parts of the country, especially the young ones, to visit my stall so they experience more,” he stated.
Dylan Lee Willemse, a 22-year-old upcoming DJ from Ondangwa also expressed excitement to perform at the fair, saying it will be his first-ever performance at a potentially fully packed event.
He hoped the platform will give him enough exposure to get more gigs in the near future.
“Despite all the excitement and advantages the fair is said to bring, there are also a lot of negative things that can happen like criminal activities. And although the Covid-19 infection rate had narrowed down over the past few months, it is most likely that people will get exposed to the virus; hence, the occasion will be packed with all age groups, including kids and elderly people being more at risk. I hereby ask the public to take all necessary measures when it comes to their health,” he appealed.
Celebrating 20 years, the trade fair will this year take place under the theme ‘Gearing for a Smart Economy’.
The event has over the years grown into a leading national and international trade and exhibition event on the Namibian calendar and continues to draw interest from all sectors of the economy. - ramounashipunda@gmail.com