Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has reaffirmed the government's commitment to creating opportunities for young people through quality youth development programmes and interventions.
Officially opening the 16th Edition of the Eenhana Expo on Wednesday, Dr. Ngurare said the government's ambition is to ensure that every young Namibian has the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the country's economy.
The 16th Edition of the Eenhana Expo is being held under the theme "Investing in the Youth, Investing in the Future, Today."
In a speech read on his behalf by Ohangwena Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa, the Prime Minister said the Ohangwena Region occupies a strategic position as Namibia's gateway to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and plays a key role in regional trade.
He said improving infrastructure, promoting value addition, supporting Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and embracing opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade will unlock greater prosperity for the country's youth.
"The youth are especially encouraged to seize the business opportunities brought to you here. Expos and trade fairs are platforms that bring business leaders, young and old, together to spark local and global innovation."
Dr. Ngurare also encouraged financial institutions, development partners and established businesses to mentor and invest in youth-led enterprises.
"Our ambition should be to ensure every young Namibian has the opportunity to participate in the economy thats why the 8th Administration has introduce Youth Development Fund, that is aimed at creating viable businesses for young people until the age of 45, within the 14 regions of the country and I encourage young people who are here today to make use of the development fund to be able to catalysts and develop and harnesses growth and develop your SMEs".
Meanwhile, Eenhana Mayor Omri-Onn Kavandje said investing in young people lays the foundation for sustainable social and economic development of the town.
"This expo therefore is not merely an exhibition of the product but a beacon of opportunity for our youth to lean to involve and participate meaningfully in the growth of our town."
The 16th Edition of the Eenhana Expo has attracted about 200 exhibitors and investors from Namibia and neighbouring countries, including Tanzania and Angola.