A record 1,872 applications for exhibition space have prompted renewed calls to expand the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre, according to a report by Informanté.
The surge in demand underscores the growing stature of the annual event as a premier commercial hub in northern Namibia. Organisers say the current infrastructure cannot accommodate the volume of interest from local and international exhibitors across sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
Stakeholders argue that expansion is necessary to capitalise on the fair’s economic momentum and to maintain its competitive edge in the regional exhibition calendar. Specific proposals for the scale or funding of the expansion have not yet been finalised.
The Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre has historically served as a critical platform for small and medium enterprises seeking market access. The latest application figures suggest the facility has outgrown its existing capacity, placing pressure on authorities to prioritise development plans ahead of the next cycle.
