The Deputy Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Anselm Marungu, has described the Omaludi Agricultural Festival as having become a source of pride and a beacon of unity, where community members share practices designed to preserve Namibian heritage and traditional knowledge systems.

He spoke at the Omaludi Agricultural Festival gala dinner at Okongo in the Ohangwena Region.

The festival is a platform where farmers, businesses, innovators and policymakers meet to share ideas, create opportunities and drive development.

"This gathering unites us each year not only to celebrate our culture but also to reaffirm our commitment to fulfilling our national agenda. Culture is what defines us and is uniquely Namibian."

The Omaludi festival is renowned for its longstanding tradition of showcasing livestock and its rich culture.

Marungu called on Namibians to invest in modern farming techniques and build networks that become growth points in their business.

The Chairperson of Okongo Village Council, Tuhafeni Shapopi, said the agricultural festival has become a flagship event of the community.

This year, the festival is anticipated to welcome 110 exhibitors and over 5,000 visitors.

"Today, the Omaludi festival is no longer merely an event; it is becoming an institution that promotes agriculture, tourism, entrepreneurship, and trade. We are now relocating the festival to a new permanent site of 19.74 hectares where a modern Omaludi centre will be developed in phases to host exhibitions, conferences and commercial activities."

The festival will start from the 25th to the 30th of May.