Staff Reporter
Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called on local authorities across Namibia to introduce initiatives that support local businesses through trade fairs and expos similar to the Oshakati Totem Expo.
“Government recognize expos and trade fairs as vital catalysts for economic growth and grassroots development,” the Vice President said.
She made these remarks during the official opening ceremony of the 12th Oshakati Totem Expo, held under the theme, “Strengthening Ties Through Culture”.
Photos: Namibian Presidency.
“This theme speaks directly to the importance of preserving our identity while promoting national unity and development. Culture is not merely about tradition or remembrance of the past. Culture is also an economic resource. Around the world, countries are increasingly investing in cultural tourism, heritage infrastructure, creative industries, and local entrepreneurship as drivers of economic growth and job creation,” she said.
According to Witbooi, the Oshakati Totem Expo demonstrates that culture and business can coexist successfully. She emphasised that the expo has established itself as an important platform for Namibians to celebrate their cultures, define their identity and work together as a united nation towards the socio-economic development of the country.
She encouraged other towns to follow Oshakati’s example.
“Our desire is to see not only Oshakati town growing, but also other towns across our country. Let our towns innovate and embrace news ways of doing business by positioning themselves as centers for cultural tourism and economic activities for the benefit of our nation,” the Vice President continued.
She further announced plans by the Oshakati Town Council to develop the Oshakati Totem Expo Centre into a commercial and cultural hub, describing the initiative as commendable and worthy of public support.
“I am encouraged by its continuous growth into one of Namibia’s most important economic and urban centers. The town continues to expand in infrastructure, trade, investment, and population growth, making it a strategic hub not only for the northern regions but for Namibia as a whole. I therefore call upon all town in Namibia, especially those without expos and trade fairs taking place in their towns, to emulate the examples of these towns that have come up with initiatives to boost local businesses for their people,” the Vice President added.
