More than a hundred exhibitors are taking part in the Otjinene Expo.
The Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, commended the committee for their determination in advancing the agenda for growth.
"I am informed that the Otjinene Expo's overriding objective is to promote local business and increase local trade as well as to attract the Trans-Kalahari Highway road users to visit Otjinene and discover what the region as a whole has to offer. The 6th edition of the Otjinene Expo and concurrent events is also hosted to celebrate the Otjinene community's cultural richness, diversity, dynamism, and heritage."
Ashipala-Musavyi also added that the government will continue to support expo and trade fair initiatives as they remain key to national development goals.
The Director General of the National Planning Commission and Otjinene Expo Patron, Dr. Kaire Mbuende, indicated that the expo is not a mere gathering.
"It creates space where farmers, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporations, and government institutions converge to share knowledge, explore opportunities, and forge partnerships for a village council such as Otjinene; this echo is a strategic drive for local economic growth."
Omaheke Governor Pijoo Nganate pointed out that Otjinene has become a fast-growing village council and warrants a town status.
"If we declare Otjinene a town, we will make sure that migration towards Gobabis will reduce in a way and more growth will occur sparsely across the whole region. We also want to see places like Witvlei, Tallismanus, and Aminuis also be declared as towns because Omaheke has only one town, which is Gobabis, and that is really not conducive to growth."
Otjinene Councillor Erwin Katjizeu reminded the residents that development requires collective efforts and gains from the agricultural sector.
"To young people and everyone in our community, don't wait for opportunities; go and create them. Go back to the village, start small, and grow big. You are the future farmers, the food producers, and the agro-entrepreneurs of tomorrow, and we as your leaders are here to guide and support you."