By Shivute Kaapanda /
For the first time the youth of Outapi and the whole of Omusati region will have a taste of a major event catering to their economic needs.
Outapi SME Youth Expo is planned to take place during the week of 2nd to 6th October 2024 at Olufuko Festival Centre in Outapi.
This was revealed by Mr January Ivula, the founder and event organiser, at the event’s media launch which took place on Wednesday at Outapi.
Convinced by the number of youth businesses that have already registered to trade at the expo Mr Ivula used the platform to invite more youth businesses in Namibia to come and exhibit at Outapi SME Youth Expo.
“This event gives opportunities to young entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and products on a large scale, we need at least 600 exhibitors at the event,” Ivula said courageously at the media launch which was attended by various stakeholders and the media.
Addressing the media and a small audience at the event was the Deputy Mayor of Outapi town Mr Mateus Endjala who gave the welcoming remarks on behalf of Mr Erginus Endjala the Governor of Omusati region.
In his speech the Governor encouraged youth entrepreneurs in the region not to miss the opportunity presented by the Outapi SME Youth Expo, which will be one of the best showcasing events in the region and in Namibia.
“This event is one of its kind in youth empowerment through entrepreneurship; youth entrepreneurship leads to sustainable innovation and development in the region as well as in the whole country,” he said.
“This event exposes and enhances the quality and appeal of local products locally and internationally, creating opportunities in a globalised world, and creating business relationships,” he emphasized.
The Governor further remarked that Omusati region is a growing hub for business activities and young entrepreneurs should grab these opportunities to showcase their products and services and use the SME Youth Expo to reach for greater heights so that the region will be built stronger economically.
He further encouraged the media to cover Outapi SME Youth Expo and take the event to the international markets.
The media launch was also attended by officials from the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service as well as from the Ministry of Industrialization and Trade.
The expo will be opened officially by Minister of Industrialisation and Trade Ms Lucia Iipumbu on the 2nd of October 2024.
The event will also provide a platform for the Miss Outapi and Mr Outapi, as well as performances by local musicians to showcase their musical talents. Some of the local artists that will perform at Outapi SME Youth Expo are Exit, D-Kandjafa, Pezzico and many others.
The main sponsor of Outapi SME Youth Expo is IZZY CRANES, a local company owned by Mr Isai Haishonga from Outapi.
Other sponsors include H25 cc, Shilongo Leatherworks, Amandla Guesthouse, PUB Eewa Tuu, Ministry of Sports, Youth and National Service and Grootman Garage.
In the photo: Some of those who attended the Outapi SME Youth Expo media launch.
