Ongwediva Tradefair 2019 web

23rd August - 31st August 2019

Main Sponsor Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair 2019 1

2 Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair 2019

Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair 2019 3

OFFICIAL OPENING • Directors Of Ceremonies The Ongwediva town is striving to be the leading urban
• Your Excellency Dr. Hage Geingob, President Of centre in Namibia through the investment and business
Hon. Angelina Angula opportunities that the Trade Fair provides. With reference
Mayor of Ongwediva town The Republic Of Namibia to the Harambee Prosperity Plan, “Namibia is endowed
4 • The Right Hourable Prime Minister, Saara with significant human and natural resources that can be
used to advance structural economic transformation”.
Kuugongelwa – Amadhila It’s then for this reason that the Ongwediva Town Council
• Honourable Magret Mensah-William, Chairperson is doing its part in the advancement of the country’s
economy by creating a platform which expose different
Of The National Council businesses and individual to unlimited opportunities
• Honourable Ministers And Members Of Parliament through the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair.

Present It’s with great confidence that I announce that the trade
• Mayors Of Municipalities And Towns Present fair is growing every year. These year, we are graced by
• Regional And Local Authority Councillors Present 451 exhibitors of which 25 are international exhibitors
• Heads Of Traditional Authorities Present from countries such as; Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ghana,
• Your Worship Natasha Ipumbu, Junior Mayor Of South Africa, Botswana, Japan, Germany, United States
of America and Indonesia, who are showcasing unique
Ongwediva Town products and share diverse skills with our local business
• Mr. Damian Egumbo, The Chairperson Of men and women.

Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair Your Excellency, as I welcome you to Ongwediva
• The Delegation Of Mtc, Oatf Main Sponsor Town on behalf of all its residents, allow me to thank
• The Delegation Of Oatf Core Sponsors Fnb, Standard you for always availing time from your busiest schedule
to come and grace our exhibition event that is parked
Bank, Indongo Ford, Nbc, Nored And Nedbank with business innovation meant to grown the economy
• Heads Of Government And Private Institutions differently. Please feel at home with your people, we
love you and believe in the notion of inclusivity.
Present
• Distinguished Invited Guests As I conclude, I wish to take this opportunity to pay
• Members Of The Media Present homage in advance to all our heroes who waged the
liberation struggle and hence forth planted a seed of
• All Protocol Observed bravery till independence that we are enjoying today.
We shall commemorate the 26 August in the spirit of
Good Morning One Namibia, One Nation.

It’s with great honour and prestige that I stand here today On behalf of the entire Ongwediva populace of our town,
to welcome you all to the 20th Ongwediva Annual Trade I welcome you all to Ongwediva Town and to the 20th
Fair. Since the inception of Ongwediva Annual Trade Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair 2019.
Fair in 2000, the last week of August has been a week
dedicated to the advancement of our town’s economy I thank you!
and for the entire Namibia through the Trade Fair.

These year’s Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair aims to
make its contribution as the country strive to address
economic challenges facing the country, hence the
theme; Fostering Economic Growth through Innovation.
The theme aimed to encourage exhibitors and visitors to
become innovative by designing products and services
that would respond to the market needs and eventually
enhance the economic growth of Namibia.

Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair 2019

OFFICIAL OPENING

Her Worship Natasha Ipumbu • Directors of ceremonies The question is, what are we really doing as the
Junior Mayor of Ongwediva town • Your Excellency Dr. Hage Geingob, President leaders of tomorrow, are we building this nation or
breaking it? We are the foundation of tomorrow and
of the Republic of Namibia this foundation has to be rigid.
• Allow me to observe all protocol as already
We cry for employment, but who would want to
established employ a person with a criminal record, it may be
a simple crime, but in the life out there a crime is a
Today we mark the 20th edition of the Ongwediva crime and once it goes in your record you will be
Annual Trade Fair, an event that is much appreciated known as a criminal. Instead of working hard we
for revealing the true potential of Ongwediva Town are blaming the economy but what are we doing
both nationally and internationally. about it apart from complaining and waiting for the
government. Let us stand as a nation and find ways
This statement goes out to the Namibian to get ourselves out of this situation.
youth. It is factual that the number of teenage
pregnancies, school dropouts, as well as crime Dear youth let us think of innovative ways to solve
in increasing among the youth. It is equally a our problems. Youth problems requires youth
fact that unemployment is high among the youth. solution.
In summary, these are all social and economic However, I would like to plea with my leaders
challenges. However, I believe we need to get present here to strengthen platforms suitable
ourselves together to overcome these challenges. for young people to show case their talents and
interact.
Many young people drop out of school or other Coming to conclusion, I believe in my Namibia and
learning facilities because of many reasons and I know that one day we shall rise above the water.
excuses: some alcohol and drug related, teenage My Namibia, My Country, My Pride.
pregnancies and gang related reasons. We are
taught everyday against teenage pregnancy and I thank you!
its effects what do you expect if not to suffer the
consequences, let us be careful with ourselves.
The youth is abusing alcohol, you hear about car
accidents innocent people dying because a drunk
individual could not control him/herself.

Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair 2019 5

OFFICIAL OPENING Director of Ceremonies; Your Excellency, Dr Hage We are aware that fewer than 20% of small businesses
Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia; survive their first year, we want to change this. Along
Mr. Tomas Koneka Iindji Distinguished invited guests, Captains of Industry- with our partners here today, we want to make sure that
FNB - Far North Area Business Manager Business fraternity; Dear FNBers and Potential clients; our young people know they are helped and nurtured.
Members of the Media; Ladies and Gentlemen. As we continue with the trade fair, let us reflect on the
Director of ceremonies though you let me observe deliberations, and going forward, use this platform as
everybody presented this morning as I am extending an information sharing and gathering session to further
my greetings to everyone. You are going to listen to develop SME success.
a talented Banker before listing to talented politician.
Ladies and gentlemen, as a financial services group,
FNB Namibia is proud to once again to be part of we understand all too well that it takes agility, proper
this year’s Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair, one of strategy and embracing technology to make it in an
the biggest events in Ongwediva, Oshana region ever-changing digital world. As the leading innovator
calendar, and an event that we have been supporting in banking partnerships, we continue our investment
for years. I must say the Ongwediva Town Council is in technology which is aimed at helping our customers
a true value adding partner not only to FNB Bank but to help themselves at significantly reduced costs. You
also to the larger FirstRand Group. can therefore expect to see more and more high-end
products, services and electronic channels for clients
When I look at the Ongwediva Trade Fair it is clear that aim to improve their way of doing business.
that it highlights one thing: Celebrating & supporting However, we acknowledge the fact that there are still
Namibian small entrepreneurs. When they succeed, customers who are doing their transaction old ways i.e
Namibian people prosper. Although small businesses senior citizens, we vow to continue accommodating
have a critical role to play in addressing the them without negating our bricks to clicks strategy.
challenges that our citizens are confronted with, levels Of course, there are those who are still not using our
of entrepreneurship and growth in the small business digital platform such as FNBapp, my advice to you
sector remain low. all is that the industry is moving toward digitalization
in line with 4th Industrial where all interactions will in
Nevertheless, despite challenges, small businesses future happen on the e-channel and digital platform.
are vital contributors to the health of the economy I further confirm that the Automated Deposit Taking
and offer diverse opportunities in our society. Machine/terminals is here to stay, and we need to be
They boost productivity, increase competition and ready if not ever ready for digitalization as part of the
innovation, create employment as well as revitalize our 4IR’s strategy.
communities. FNB has a dedicated SME team to assist
in developing small businesses aimed at boosting As an end-to-end financial services partner, it is of
small business development and promoting smaller great importance to us how we help to deliver more
entities in their growth because we understand that for customers and our country, and in turn ensure
small businesses are the foundation of a sustainable sustainable development. Our commitment as
economy. FirstRand Namibia to create a Better World to all our
Stakeholders has been shared many times before

6 Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair 2019

and is been executed through our 4 pillars, namely secondary schooling, tertiary education and workplace We would not be able to achieve these good results for
the Planet, Partnership, Profit and People. We have readiness, with the aim to increase employability the past years as if it was not with your collaborations
invested heavily in the development and protection and productive livelihoods. As a systemic integrated and of course with a support of the Government of the
of the Environment, Economy and the Society in financial services group, the nature, size and scale Republic of Namibia hence we really want to thank you
which we operate through considered and long-term of FirstRand Namibia’s business activities means it for that. As a business we understand that delivering
contributions to upliftment and enablement, through unescapably impacts society, and is, therefore, a shared value requires innovation, deep thinking,
our corporate social investment in excess of millions natural role player in addressing many of Namibia’s constant change and persistent commitment.
across the country. social, economic and environmental needs – this we
We remain committed being a business that employs believe is the key to sustainability. We believe the outcome will be a sustainable, growing
the right people, values its customers, and does the business which has proven it steadily delivers value,
right things. In as much as there are vigilant and Finally, as you are all aware, the economy has been both financial and social, thus earning the trust of all
compliant to industry regulations that talk to market and challenged with a lower growth rate over the past few our stakeholders, hence we support the Ongwediva
business conduct, fundamentally what we stand for is years for various reasons, and the banking sector Trade Fair this year 2019 with an amount of N$160,000
doing business with the right people and operating could not escape from this turbulence arising from the respectively.
in a fair and ethical way. Customer service is at the economic shocks therein. Our financial advice to you
core of the group’s existence and drives the provision fellow Namibians is to prioritize on what is important With these remarks, I would like to thank you for your
of increasingly more accessible and affordable for now and once you got signal in your financial kind attention, God bless you all!!
transactional banking as well as lending. environment, please talk to us well in advance. Do not
wait until things go south, it might be too late then. We Asanteni Sana
It is against this background that for the Bank, are trying to assist at the level we can to minimize the
partnerships such as this one the Ongwediva Trade situation but please be honest to your Bank Manager
Fair is vital to a country where our President says, ‘no for us to look at the possibility and other avenue to
one must be left out’ when he declared war against remedy the situation, this is my invitation. As I said, no
poverty. First National Bank of Namibia remains one can afford to ignore anybody’s potential to change
committed and will continue to work hand in hand things for the better.
with Public and Private Sector so that together we can
create a better world for all Namibians. However, economist has indicated that the economy
is projected to regain strength and momentum that is
The group’s systemic social investing strategy is expected around 2020, this is a positive signal which
designed to confront the root causes of Namibia’s resulted from successful and concluding Economic
social ills and develop new scalable and replicable Summit of 2019 which was organized by dedicated
models for development. The group is acutely aware Team of High-Level Panel on Namibian Economy
that an economy cannot hope to grow without an whereby some pledges and commitments spanning to
educated workforce. In response, over the past few billions were made few weeks ago from private sector
years, the FirstRand Namibia foundation has shifted led developmental initiative. Let’s change our mindset
the bulk of their attention to systemic education and as Namibians and let’s all move towards one direction.
skills development initiatives. The group’s education Conclusion, we recognize the presence of our valued
programmes cover the whole education range stakeholders who continue to work with us in building a
from early childhood development, to primary and sound banking industry and financial sector especially.

Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair 2019 7

OFFICIAL OPENING Directors of Ceremonies Irrespective of our current economic situation, that
instinct, that this is the greatest country on earth, most
Mr. Tim Ekandjo Kindly allow me to recognize the presence of His beautiful and most resourceful. I have come to realize
MTC - Chief Human Capital and Corporate Affairs Excellency, The President-Dr Hage Geingob and that what makes Namibia great is not its perfection,
Madame First Lady Monica Geingos and all the but the believe that it can be made better, I came to
protocol that you have respectfully already observed. understand that our revolution was waged for the sake
of that believe, that we can be governed by laws and
I wish to thank you on behalf of MTC for allowing us not man, that we can be free in the eyes of those laws.
to partner with you for the 10th consecutive year as
main sponsor. The honour is all ours, and it is indeed At a time when our country experiences one of the
a privilege to be part of such an important platform. greatest economic hardships, our greatest strength
To date, we effectively participate in almost every lies not in our imperfections or our past successes or
Trade Fairs across the country. We do so because we challenges, but the believe that we can make Namibia
love Namibia and its people, because we are Namibian a better place by demonstrating patriotism. A country
and our objective is to see fellow Namibians succeed, where all its citizens are able to freely pursue their
because when they do so, we also succeed. That is dreams and aspirations while allowing others to do the
the meaning of true prosperity, shared prosperity as same.
often referred to by His Excellency, The President Dr
Hage Geingob. Patriotism is not and never was about loyalty to a
certain tribe or person, instead its loyalty to country
Nobody will ever share, in the absence of love. Given and its values, where we come together and work
where we are as a country and a people, at the brink of together towards a common purpose in unity. Allow
yet another Heroes Day commemoration, kindly allow me to borrow from the words of His Excellency, The
me to reflect on the themes Patriotism and Nation- President, Dr Hage Geingob, when he says, “Exclusivity
Building. spells conflict while inclusivity spells harmony”
The word patriotism is so often used to describe many
things and situations, but surely, we can arrive at a Patriotism is not short, frenzied outburst of emotion,
definition of patriotism, however rough and imperfect but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.
that captures the best of Namibia’s common spirit. Given our challenges, our strongest weapon in
What would such a definition look like? It starts as a Namibia should be a patriotic Namibian, and if you
God instinct, a loyalty and love for country rooted in have any doubt, just look at what happened at the
our proud history. recently concluded Economic Summit where patriotic
For me, and many others, patriotism means to stand Namibians took the bull by its horn to unlock billions
by your country at all times, not sometimes. But of dollars for our country. I can assure you that only
importantly, to stand by and defend its values and patriotism and unity can and will get us through
constitution. It means the loyalty and love you have this difficult time. It is indeed amazing what we can
towards your country and its people, not loyalty accomplish together if we do not care who gets the
towards certain individuals. A man is a Patriot if his credit.
heart beats true to his country. A woman is a Patriot, if
her heart beats true to her country. True patriotism is about capturing a common Namibian
spirit, loyalty and love for country and a source of pride.

8 Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair 2019

We often make the mistake to forget country, and however successful in their own dealings, if her opportunism in general. In short, patriotism is putting
demonstrate love and loyalty towards the individual, country perish is involved in her destruction, but if she your country first, while opportunism is gaining some
and when you and the individual for some reason do be an unprosperous citizen of a prosperous nation, advantage from any situation for your own personal
not see eye to eye anymore, then you end up hating she is much more likely to recover. Seeing then, that benefit, and claiming to be patriotic. You cannot be
the individual and country. No, patriotism is about love countries can bear the misfortune of individuals, but selective about your patriotism, and only demonstrate
and loyalty to country, and if you love your country you individuals cannot bear the misfortune of countries. it when it suits you. As funny as it might sound, it is not
will love the individuals as well. We must therefore all participate in nation-building always the same thing to be a good man and a good
especially when our country demand from us to do so. citizen, just like it is not always the same thing to be
Patriotism requires invaluable sacrifices. Talking loyal to an individual but not loyal to your country.
about sacrifices, the liberation of our country was From labour to leader, everyone’s participation is Allow me to bring my short remarks to conclusion
sacrificed with the blood that now waters our freedom. essential in nation building. Those who want to reap by respectfully borrowing from the words of Mark
Everybody that contributed to Namibia’s freedom had the benefits of this great nation must bear the fatique Twain, with perhaps one of the most powerful quotes
to demonstrate acts of patriotism. of supporting it, after-all Martin Luther King Jnr said it on Patriotism, I quote, “Patriotism is supporting your
so well, “In the end, we will remember not the words country all the time, and your government when it
True patriotism cannot be forced, it is nurtured in the and deeds of our enemies, but the silence of our deserves it”.
hearts and minds of people and it is our responsibility friends”. We cannot be prosperous if the country is
to instil the sense of patriotism in our youth and our not prosperous, that is false prosperity and it makes us His Excellency, The Founding President, Dr Sam
children by connecting them to our history so that they thieves, because that means only the country feeds us Nujoma said “a people united, striving to achieve the
understand the sacrifices that were made just for our without us feeding the country back, our country only common good of all members of society, will always
independence. No matter what we do, if we do not gives without us giving back, our country only serves emerge victorious.”
educate our children, we are not truly participating in us without us serving back. There is a reason why
nation-building because only an educated nation can when trees grow the leaves fall back, a reason why We can all do simple things to show our patriotism,
become a powerful nation. We can however not talk water evaporates back up and come down as rain, first love your country unconditionally, visit our national
about the development of our nation until we develop we must participate in this cycle of giving back from parks, support Namibian products, if you go on holiday,
love for our nation. where we take from. If there was ever a time of giving do so in Namibia, fly the Namibian flag high at all times,
back to our country, that time is now. learn and appreciate our history, and when confronted
Surely, we can agree that no party or political or social with a choice of airline, choose Air Namibia and when
philosophy have a monopoly over patriotism. True This is a time where all Namibians irrespective of confronted with a choice of ICT provider, refuse the
independence and freedom can only exist in doing political, social and economic class should unite and notion that such a choice exist and support a patriotic
what is right irrespective of who you are. put Namibia first. Putting service before self, and while corporate citizen-MTC “Make the Connection”
protecting our own interest, not trample on the interest
Namibia was never built on fear, Namibia was built of others by making them feel less of a Namibian. I invite you all to the MTC stand after official
on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable What is the reward or joy in somebody’s downfall if it proceedings, to the MTC sponsored boxing tonight on
determination to become one of the most admired does not result in your promotion or losing your sole this premises, to the Namibian Annual Music Awards
countries on earth. May we think freedom, not as a to gain the whole world? Your pride for your country on the 7th September in Swakopmund and welcome
right to do as we please, but as an opportunity to do should not come after your country becomes great, us in all the regions as we roll out the 2nd phase of
what is right for our country, because the Patriot’s your country becomes great because of your pride in our 081Every1 project to ensure 100% population
blood is the seed of freedom’s tree. it. coverage.
I wish to pause, because I so often hear fellow citizens
including myself say “I do not want to get involved Be very cautions however, because there is a difference I thank you kindly!
in country issues”, but hear this, “A private citizen, between true patriotism, opportunistic patriotism and

Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair 2019 9

OFFICIAL OPENING

His Excellency Dr Hage G. Geingob • Director of Proceedings; Government understands that the Private Sector is the
President of the Republic of Namibia • Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers primary driver of the creative and innovative capacity
needed to support and drive sustainable, inclusive,
present; job-led growth and development. Government’s role,
• Honourable Elia Kaulifengwa Irimari - Governor on the other hand, is to create an enabling environment
• of the Oshana Region and other Governors which allows the Private Sector to function efficiently
and effectively as possible.
present;
• All Traditional Authority leaders present; One of our desired outcomes under the Harambee
• Your Worship Angelina Angula, Mayor of Prosperity Plan, pillar of Economic Advancement, is to
significantly increase the volume of locally produced
Ongwediva; goods supplied to the public and retail sectors. The
• Chairpersons and Mayors of various Local recently concluded Economic Growth Summit, an
• Authorities present; initiative of Government, through the High-Level Panel
• Regional and Local Authority Councillors present; on the Economy, has not only succeeded in mobilizing
• Captains of Industry; investments in key sectors of the Namibian Economy,
• Distinguished invited guests; but has equally developed a road map for inclusive
• Ladies and Gentlemen growth, in order to strengthen the Namibian House.

It is a pleasure to visit Ongwediva once more, to I am confident that many of the exhibitors present at
partake in an event that has become synonymous with this year’s Trade Fair are not only here to market their
excellence and prestige. Just over a fortnight ago, I products, but also keen to build business ties and
was at this splendid venue, to conduct my Town Hall gain insights into trends, technologies and innovations
meeting for the Oshana Region, where I interacted on the market, that will enable them to develop
with the citizens of this great region. I am delighted the requisite capabilities, to drive the economic
to return and officiate at this annual showcase, which advancement of our country. Trade Fairs and Expo’s
continues to contribute immensely to the economy of throughout the country should thus play a leading
this region. role in promoting diverse products and also focus
on bringing onboard exhibitions in key and strategic
This year is the 20th Edition of this exhibition, sectors of our economy.
whose theme, “Fostering Economic Growth through
Innovation”, could not be more apt, given the fact
that economic growth and innovation is the focus at
continental, regional and local level.

10 Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair 2019

Furthermore, the Ongwediva Trade Fair has become also take cognisance of the fact that new technologies In order to achieve this, we must hold hands and
a primary platform for our established and fledgling will lead to an increase in the competition between pull in one direction; one direction for Ongwediva;
companies to broaden their appeal, locally, regionally human beings and machines. Thus, this is the reality one direction for Oshana and one direction for
and internationally, thereby increasing the brand of the future and we must adapt or find ourselves Namibia. As Former President Comrade Hifikepunye
appeal of our Small and Medium Sized Enterprises. permanently left behind. Pohamba said, “Namibia is my country. Namibia
This is crucial, given our “Growth At Home” strategy, is your country. Let each and every one of us make
as well as extending our national capability and scope In light of these facts, I wish to urge the organizers a positive contribution to the development of our
to increase investments in more diverse economic of our exhibitions, to increase the prevalence of beautiful country”. I agree with him fully. Namibia is
sectors. SME development programs, agricultural various technologies at our national trade fairs, to act the only place we can call “Home”. I therefore thank
production, investment in renewable energy, value as a precursor to our national efforts to modernize all stakeholders, who have worked together, in true
addition to our resources, services, manufacturing our economy through the adoption of 21st Century Harambee spirit, to ensure that the Ongwediva Trade
and applied ICT, should be our primary focal areas. technologies. Fair, continues to make a positive contribution to the
development of our beautiful country. With these
As a matter of fact, following the adoption of the African Consistent improvements in exhibitions is a strong words, it is now my distinct pleasure to declare the
Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) during the AU marketing narrative that presents opportunities for 2019 Ongwediva Trade Fair, officially open. I wish you
Extraordinary Summit in Niger during July 2019, our growth and advancement. Improvement in exhibitions all good business.
companies stand to benefit from the expected high is not limited to the quality of exhibition-stands but in the
returns that will come as a result of increased intra- contents on display, that includes marketing material I thank you.
African trade. According to trade experts, the AfCFTA and after sales services. I would therefore like to urge
will enable producers to access a market of close to all participants and exhibitors to capitalize on these
1.27 billion people which will also stimulate longterm platforms and strive for improvement in exhibitions
and large –scale investments. and service excellence.

Ladies and gentlemen, In order to foster economic To this extent, I wish to reaffirm Government’s continued
growth through innovation, it is paramount that Namibia support for the Ongwediva Trade Fair, to continue the
prepares itself for, and embraces the advent of the 4th rapid level of growth it has undergone over the past
Industrial Revolution (4IR). As a country, we should lay two decades, as well as increase its appeal as one of
the groundwork, both at Public and Private Sector level, the most significant trade and business platforms in
to harness the vast potential offered by technologies Namibia and the region at large. It is my hope, that in
such as 3D printing, the Internet of Things, Big Data the near future, the Ongwediva Trade Fair, will become
Analysis, robotics and cloud computing. We should a regional and international business showpiece.

Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair 2019 11

GALA DINNER • Director of Ceremonies; activities and investment. I believe that the Ongwediva
• Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers; Annual Trade Fair is one of the important events that
Mr Fillemon Ndina Nakashole • Honourable Elia Ilimari, Governor of the Oshana has certainly exposed Ongwediva and other towns to
Nored Chief Executive Officer – Guest Speaker mayor investments.
Region;
• Her Worship, Angelina Angula, Mayor of At this juncture, I would like to convey my words of
appreciation to the Committee and entire leadership of
Ongwediva Town; the Ongwediva Town Council for creating a conducive
• Chairperson and Members of Oshana Regional environment and business opportunity such as the
Fair which attracted investors for doing business in
Council; your town as well as the surrounding towns such as
• Members of the Ongwediva Town Council; Oshakati and Ondangwa.
• Representatives of our valued Sponsors;
• Esteemed invited Guests; Director of Ceremonies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
• Members of the Media;
• Ladies and Gentlemen; In true sense, Ongwediva Trade Fair is a great
business opportunity for corporations, institutions and
Good Evening! individuals in business to showcase and demonstrate
their latest products and services. I thus want to
It is a great pleasure to be with you this evening and thank the Ongwediva Town Council for organising
to address this distinguished gathering at Fundraising the fundraising Gala Dinner to raise funds for the
Gala Dinner Event which doubles as official launch hosting of the annual Ongwediva Trade Fair which,
and fundraiser for the 19th edition of Ongwediva I am informed, will be take place from 23 August to
Annual Trade Fair 2019. 31 August 2019 and will go a long way in promoting
From humble beginning nineteen (19) years ago, business activities, grow economy and create wealth.
following the dissolution of the Northern Namibia Trade
Fair Association nineteen, Ongwediva Annual Trade Personally, I’m hugely passionate about the support
Fair has developed into one of Namibia’s leading it provides, new business avenues and network
trade and business exhibition events on the Business opportunities, for the local business community of
Calendar. Certainly, this Fair has seen rapid growth Namibia to engage and network with counterparts
and has provided maximum exposure to Ongwediva from across the globe. And in some ways, it has been
town and the north western regions of the country as the catalyst for accumulated credits for being one of
it draws an overwhelming participation from both local the biggest trade and business exhibitions in Namibia,
and international exhibitors. were thousands local exhibitors, international visitors
from Africa and other parts of the world make their
Dear audience: For the past nineteen (19) years, I presence felt and showcase their products and
am informed that each year, on average, more than service.
four hundred (400) exhibitors and ninety thousand (90 Equally, I highly value this platform as it contributes to
000) visitors do participate and visit Ongwediva Trade
Fair, respectively. The towns in Northern Namibia
are experiencing an upward trend both in economic

12 Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair 2019

the local economy development as it creates temporary It must be understood that exhibition is a key moment in invest more in education and training to enable us to
direct and indirect employment opportunities for the the business year and exhibitors need to be proactive develop new products and add value to our economy.
youth, tenders opportunity for small and medium, and innovative. People visit exhibitions for three basic Therefore, our local businesses must fully utilise and
promotion for artists and great economic boom for the reasons. Firstly, to be entertained (maybe it is to get capitalise on the new business avenues and networks
hospitality industry. out of the office for a few hours), secondly, to find out presented during the Ongwediva Trade Fair.
how a new product or service actually works and lastly,
Furthermore, Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair produces attendance could mean that a business transaction Again, I urge the local business community of Namibia
excellent results for any organisation if the exhibition might be agreed upon between the two parties. to engage the fellow business counterparts (local or
team makes use of all the opportunities presented. foreign) to network and discuss the latest ways of
Exhibitors from either small to medium or big entities It is no doubt that exhibition would fail miserably if doing business. Please tap in the fellow counterpart
must understood that simply booking of a spot is not exhibition team or staff were not trained on how to expertise. While, foreign business community, I
enough! Trade Fairs are not mere participation, but a man the stand and if the objectives and benefits of similarly urge you to help local Namibians to acquire
platform if optimally used can create brand awareness, attending an exhibition or trade fairs are not clearly skills through economic cooperation and transaction.
enhance reputation and to sell products. explained to them. I am therefore appealing to all This will help boost the Namibian economy and
exhibitors at this year’s trade fair to understand that accelerate job creation in our society.
Even if you have the best spot, the best offer and the it is high time to give up the culture of thinking only of To this end, I want to express Government’s commitment
best marketing tools, if your team or sellers are not making quick profits or upholding on a notion that it is to continue to create a conducive and enabling
well-prepared, you will fail to make your trade fair a a practise to attend. environment for trade activities in different towns of
success. the country to flourish. The political stability and sound
Let’s think long term, as opposed to short term so that macro-economic management implemented over the
Director of ceremonies, Ladies and Gentlemen; we can educate our exhibition teams to fully understand years has made this possible.
that trade fair is big investment opportunity whose
Permit me to inform you that I have been a judge for profitability, reputation, image and sustainability of the The purpose of tonight’s gala dinner is to raise
the Ongwediva Trade Fair for the past ten (10) years. company is entirely depend on the energy, motivation sufficient funds to ensure the successful hosting of the
However, I have learnt that many companies find and eagerness of the exhibition team to offer service. Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair. I know we are faced
themselves participating in this event without realising Your conduct or customer service during the trade with economic downturns and severe drought in the
what it is they want to achieve. Thus in this speech fair gives an impression about the overall customer country, but I would like appeal to the participants to
please allow me to share with you a few observed services of the organisation. contribute towards this noble and worthwhile initiative
mistakes committed by exhibitors and if not addressed and I wish you success with this fundraising gala
they have a potential detrimental effects on the image, Director of Ceremonies, Ladies and Gentlemen; dinner.
reputation and sustainability of their company as
well as affect the investment opportunity to grow our The competitiveness of an economy is not only a result I thank you
Namibian economy. Mistakes such as: of improved infrastructure and administrative reforms,
• Inconsistence in information dissemination, but it is heavily dependent on the innovativeness
• Unprepared exhibition team, of the business community. However, Namibia is
• Exhibiting without a theme, a net exporter of capital due to lack of investment
• Relatively or poor customer service and opportunities. In order to mitigate this untenable
• Team’s attitude and behaviours. state of affairs, it is critical that our companies must

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GALA DINNER
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GALA DINNER

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GALA DINNER
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GALA DINNER

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PREPARATIONS
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OFFICIAL OPENING

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OFFICIAL OPENING
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OFFICIAL OPENING

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OFFICIAL OPENING
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OFFICIAL OPENING

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SPONSORS

Main Sponsor Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair 2019
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SPONSORS

Main Sponsor

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SPONSORS

Main Sponsor Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair 2019
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SPONSORS

Main Sponsor

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SPONSORS
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CORPORATE EXHIBITORS

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CORPORATE EXHIBITORS
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CORPORATE EXHIBITORS

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CORPORATE EXHIBITORS
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HEADMAN HALL

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HEADMAN HALL
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TRADITIONAL TENT

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TRADITIONAL TENT
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EXHIBITORS AWARD CEREMONY

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EXHIBITORS AWARD CEREMONY
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EXHIBITORS AWARD CEREMONY

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EXHIBITORS AWARD CEREMONY
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EXHIBITORS AWARD CEREMONY

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EXHIBITORS AWARD CEREMONY
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EXHIBITORS AWARD CEREMONY

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EXHIBITORS AWARD CEREMONY
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EXHIBITORS AWARD CEREMONY

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INDUSTRIAL AUTOMOTIVE
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AGRICULTURE

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INDONGO FORD 4X4 TRAINING
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OUTDOOR STALLS

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KIDS ENTERTAINMENT
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