The Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF) is celebrating 25 years of creating a platform where businesses, entrepreneurs, government institutions, investors and the public can interact and build economic relationships.
The Trade Fair, which kicks off today until 29 August, has been hosted annually in the Oshana region since 2000 as an important commercial and business destination in northern Namibia.
This year will have various local artists and performances by the likes of Tate Buti, Top Cheri, Jericho, Sally and many more.
Division head of the Trade Fair Lonia Nghuulikwa told The Namibian that the 25th edition of OATF is a particularly significant milestone, and “we have planned several initiatives to celebrate not only the trade fair itself, but also the people and journey behind its 25-year history.”
“As part of the celebrations, we are hosting the inaugural OATF Half Marathon, introducing a new sporting event that we hope will become part of the fair’s legacy for years to come.
We will also have a fireworks display as part of the anniversary celebrations,” she says.
Nghuulikwa says a documentary has been produced on the history of OATF and will be telecast through a dedicated podcast series.
“These projects take us back to the early days when the event was known as ‘Let’s Go North’, and feature conversations with individuals who have been part of the journey from those early beginnings.
Their stories, experiences and contributions have helped shape the trade fair into what it is today,” she says.
She says the OATF’s move towards digitalisation is also part of their broader effort to modernise the trade fair experience, adding that the recently launched digital platform provides exhibitors and visitors with easier access to information and services, while reducing reliance on physical paperwork.
“Digitalisation also allows us to communicate more efficiently with stakeholders and create a more convenient experience before, during and after the trade fair.
It is an important step towards building a more accessible, efficient and environmentally conscious event,” she says.
Nghuulikwa says going digital (biometric) allows OATF to reduce its paper footprint, minimise waste and promote a cleaner, more sustainable event while simultaneously improving the efficiency of the visitor and exhibitor experience in the fast entry process.
