The Kufamosha Information Disability Centre will host the Kufamosha Information Disability Centre Expo Volume 3 at Omuthiya in the Oshikoto region to promote social and economic inclusion of people with disabilities while creating business and networking opportunities.
The six-day event, set to take place from 28 July to 2 August at the Oshifukwa Kid Centre, will give people with disabilities the opportunity to showcase their talents, products, services and business ideas, while raising awareness about disability rights, entrepreneurship and equal opportunities.
Kufamosha Information Disability Centre chairperson Petrus Tiofilus on Tuesday said the event will bring together people with disabilities, government institutions, businesses, educational institutions and members of the public to strengthen partnerships and encourage inclusion.
He said the event has attracted between 20 and 30 exhibitors comprising people with disabilities, small and medium enterprises, cooperatives, government ministries, non-governmental organisations and private companies from across Namibia who are expected to participate.
Visitors will have access to a wide range of products and services, including arts and crafts, fashion and tailoring, food and catering, agriculture, information and communication technology solutions, financial and health services, educational programmes, assistive technologies, furniture and disability support services.
The expo will further help participants market their products, connect with potential clients and investors, access business development information and explore employment and training opportunities.
“The expo will connect job seekers with employers, promote entrepreneurship, provide information on skills development and funding opportunities and encourage businesses to employ people with disabilities. To ensure accessibility, organisers have provided wheelchair access, accessible toilets, designated parking, clear signage and volunteer support to ensure all participants can participate with dignity and respect,” Tiofilus said.
Tiofilus acknowledged that securing funding, mobilising resources, coordinating logistics and meeting accessibility requirements were among the challenges encountered during preparations.
“Our vision is to make the expo an annual national event that expands participation across Namibia, creates sustainable business opportunities for people with disabilities and promotes innovation, entrepreneurship and community development,” he said.
He encouraged businesses, organisations and the public to attend, highlighting that disability inclusion is a shared responsibility.
– Nampa
