... Aboriginal enterprises and our communities," she said. "Limited access to rich, reliable data has long constrained investment decisions, and OTIE ... View article...

Staff Writer International relations and trade minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi has questioned why Namibian products are not widely available beyond the country’s borders. “If I can buy West African Shea Butter in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, why can’t I buy products from the Oshana Region beyond the borders of Namibia?” she said. Ashipala-Musavyi made the remarks at the opening of the Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition (OTIE) 2026 on Tuesday. She said Namibia must position its products competitively in regional and global markets and improve access for local businesses. “The success of every country’s economy increasingly depends on how effectively it integrates local production into national, regional, continental and global value chains,” she said. She said the exhibition reflects efforts to support entrepreneurs and economic growth. “As we gather here in the town of Ondangwa, an economic hub of the north, we are not just opening and celebrating a trade fair. We are revitalising a vital platform for innovation, youth entrepreneurship, industrialisation, and sustainable development,” she said. She said the event shows a shared commitment to building a stronger economy. “We are demonstrating our collective commitment to empowering our local entrepreneurs by optimising our local resources in order to build a resilient economy for the people of Ondangwa, the broader Oshana Region and our entire country,” she said. Ashipala-Musavyi said the exhibition brings together entrepreneurs, investors and innovators and helps create opportunities. She said it gives local businesses exposure, encourages innovation and supports economic activity. This year’s theme, “Connecting Local Trade to the World”, reflects the need for Namibia to compete internationally. Ashipala-Musavyi said small and medium enterprises play a key role in job creation but face challenges in accessing markets. “The Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition (OTIE) breaks those barriers, provides visibility, builds networks and opens doors to partnerships that extend beyond borders,” she said. Ashipala-Musavyi said Namibia must strengthen trade within Africa as a step toward global markets. “For us to be effectively connected to global trade, we must be firmly anchored at home and connected to the wider African market first. That is our ladder to the global market,” she said. She said the government is working to support businesses through trade agreements and export promotion. “We are therefore committed to strengthening economic diplomacy, expanding market access, and creating an enabling environment for our enterprise to thrive locally, regionally, and internationally,” she said. She said the ministry is finalising the Investment Promotion Bill and related regulations to support business growth. Ashipala-Musavyi urged exhibitors to use the platform to build partnerships and explore export opportunities. “To the exhibitors, please use this opportunity not only to showcase what you have produced. Forge partnerships, network, exchange information and knowledge and explore export possibilities,” she said. Ashipala-Musavyi said Africa must strengthen economic integration as competition for resources increases. “Let us therefore use this exhibition as a launchpad, one that inspires innovation and strengthens our collective commitment to inclusive and sustainable economic development,” she said.

The Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition (OTIE) 2026 runs from 24 April to 2 May at the Ondangwa Trade Exhibition Centre. This year's theme, "Connecting Local Trade with the World", emphasises export growth and global value chains. The event features business stands, service showcases, and training programmes, with participants like COSDEC Ondangwa promoting skills development.