Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called for collective action to transform Luderitz. She made these remarks at the official opening of the 19th annual Lüderitz Crayfish Festival.

Among those who attended the festival were Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare and other senior government officials.

Witbooi emphasised that Lüderitz is at a pivotal point in its history, transforming from a town renowned for its fishing legacy into a vital hub for Namibia's growing energy sector.

"This connection between longstanding traditional industries and new and emerging sectors represents both opportunity and responsibility. It calls upon all of us, the government, the private sector, community and development partners, to act with full stride, to act with coordination, to act with unwavering commitment, to act inclusively. We must ensure that this transformation is not exclusive but inclusive, not concentrated but widely shared."

Lüderitz Crayfish Festival Patron, Sidney Martin, commended the community and the organising team for ensuring the hosting of this year's festival.

"As an outgoing patron, my message is this: do not let delays define you. The current may be there for a season, but when the break comes through, it gives you the power to change everything. Emerging from tears to innovation, our vision has come true; your time has finally come."

The festival is sponsored by Standard Bank, which said the event is a clear driver of economic growth and a symbol of Lüderitz's development potential.