President opens Helao Nafidi Business Expo, urges stronger public-private cooperation
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for renewed collaboration between government and the private sector to accelerate Namibia’s economic growth, create jobs, and improve service delivery.Nandi-Ndaitwah made the remarks on Saturday while officially opening the 18th edition of the Helao Nafidi Business Expo in the Ohangwena region.
She said the newly launched Namibia Public Private Forum (NPPF), which will convene annually, aims to strengthen dialogue and shared responsibility in national development.
“We need the private sector as much as the private sector needs the government,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said, adding that three task forces focusing on economic recovery, health, and housing will be appointed this week.
She underscored the expo theme, “Ignite the Future: Unearthing Youth Potential and Innovation”, saying youth empowerment remains a national priority.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also used the platform to highlight the operationalisation of the National Youth Fund, capitalised with N$257 million, to support young people’s contributions to the economy through innovation, entrepreneurship, sports and the creative sector.
She expressed concern over recurring conflicts between local authorities and residents, cautioning that such disputes hinder development. She urged stakeholders to prioritise unity and honest engagement.
“Without collaboration and understanding, there will be no winner. Both the community and the council will lose,” Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed.
She encouraged regional cross-border business cooperation, describing Helao Nafidi as a gateway to Angola with significant trade potential. She called on residents and investors to support the expo and strengthen local economic activities, noting that the three-day event had been shortened due to limited community support.
With Namibia heading into elections on 26 November 2025, Nandi-Ndaitwah urged eligible voters to participate peacefully and choose leaders aligned with the national development goals outlined in the 8th administration’s agenda. She also commended outgoing regional and local authority councillors for laying a “solid foundation” for the town’s continued growth.
Ohangwena regional governor Kadiva Hamutumwa, in a speech read on her behalf by Ohangwena regional council chairperson Erickson Ndawanifa, said the expo is far more than a date on the calendar – it is a celebration of collaboration, diversity and progress.
Hamutumwa said it unites exhibitors from various sectors and nations to showcase their creativity, heritage and innovations, reflecting both national pride and international partnership.
“This year’s theme calls upon us to ignite the future by empowering our youth – to create opportunities for them to innovate, lead, and build a self-sustaining economy within our communities,” she said.
The expo started on Friday and concluded on Sunday.