CST Expo unites Namibia’s creative, sport and tourism sectors
Attracting over 7500 visitors, the three-day CST Expo created a platform for exhibitors, entrepreneurs, creatives, sportspeople and tourism operators to showcase products, exchange ideas and explore opportunities across industries that are increasingly being recognised for their economic potential.
More than 80 exhibitors participated, ranging from small and medium-sized enterprises and food vendors to cultural enterprises and organisations representing the three sectors.
The exhibition areas included tourism operators and destination businesses, creative enterprises in fashion, design and the visual arts, local traders and SMEs, as well as food and beverage vendors.
Bank Windhoek was among the corporate participants, investing N$250 000 in the expo and using its presence to engage entrepreneurs and exhibitors around its revised SME customer value proposition.
For visitors, the expo offered more than a conventional exhibition. The programme combined industry workshops and panel discussions with sporting competitions, food stalls, children's activities, cultural showcases and evening entertainment.
Sport formed a major part of the programme, with e-sports, chess, volleyball, basketball, football, traditional games and bodybuilding among the activities. A range of competitions also provided opportunities for young and emerging athletes to participate.
The creative programme included discussions on commercial content production, the economic potential of the creative sector, audiovisual heritage, sport storytelling, visual arts and emerging technology. Republikein’s bridal competition, fashion show, poetry and the CST Choir Clash added a performance element to the exhibition.
Tourism was similarly represented through discussions on destination marketing, adventure tourism, air connectivity, visa facilitation and the role of local businesses in increasing the benefits of tourism spending.
One of the expo's central themes was the potential for the three sectors to support one another. Rather than treating creativity, sport and tourism as separate industries, the programme explored how collaboration could generate new businesses, employment opportunities, experiences and markets.
This message was also reflected in the official opening, where government and industry stakeholders called for stronger cooperation to turn Namibia's creative, sporting and tourism potential into economic opportunities.
Entertainment helped draw the public to the stadium throughout the three days. Performances included Namibian artists and regional acts, with Zimbabwean singer Tamy Moyo appearing on the second day. The closing night featured Namibian musician Gazza alongside South African DJ Oscar Mbo and Angolan artist Cleyton M.
The expo also provided space for networking and knowledge-sharing, with workshops running alongside the exhibition and entertainment programme. Industry discussions covered practical issues ranging from sports development and tourism marketing to creative entrepreneurship, technology and storytelling.
For exhibitors, the event offered an opportunity to place their businesses in front of a diverse audience. For visitors, it provided a chance to discover local products, watch sporting competitions, experience live entertainment and engage with businesses and organisations from across the country.
According to the organisers, Emeraldsand Platforms, the total reach on all the company’s respective platforms including social media, print, events and other digital platforms from 1 March to 5 September was 19 million – the highest the organisation has reached for any single event.
In the meantime, they are already working on the plans for next year’s event, with the launch set for 21 April 2027, which is World Creativity Day.
