The MTC Kasi Vibe Festival officially opened at Paaltjies, Brakwater, on Thursday.
Running from 31 July to 2 August, the three-day event aims to highlight Namibian youth culture, small businesses and creative talent.
Opening the proceedings, festival co-founder Salmi Shigwedha reflected on how the initiative began nine years ago alongside co-founder Bomba Shigwedha out of a shared frustration over the lack of local platforms.
“We knew what it felt like to have talent, ambition and ideas, yet not have access to a platform where we could showcase them,” Shigwedha said. “Instead of accepting these limitations, we envisioned creating a space where entrepreneurs, artists and communities could come together to showcase their talents, grow their businesses and celebrate the richness of Namibian culture.”
In her keynote address, president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted the role young people play in shaping the country’s economic future, urging both public and private sectors to back grassroots innovation.
“Namibia is a young country, not only in terms of its history, but also in the demographic makeup of its people,” Nandi-Ndaitwah stated.
“This means the majority of Namibians are young, full of energy, ambition and new ideas. Today, entrepreneurship is not only about opening a business. It is about solving problems and creating value.”
The president said music, film, fashion, digital content, gaming, visual arts, photography and design are not just hobbies; they are industries.
She called for a shift towards permanent creative infrastructure.
Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) managing director Licky Erastus announced a N$1 million annual pledge over the next three years to support the festival.
He also highlighted MTC Maris, the mobile payment platform aimed at widening financial access for small vendors and unbanked entrepreneurs across the country.
“MTC supports traditional priorities of unity, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and meaningful economic participation through this festival,” Erastus said.
With its sponsorships and the high turnout expected over the weekend, the festival continues its mission of turning local talent into viable, long-term business opportunities.
