Sport to feature strongly at new CST Expo initiative
Namibia is set to showcase the power of sport, creativity and tourism when the inaugural Creative, Sport and Tourism (CST) Expo takes place from 2 to 4 September at the Hage Geingob Stadium.
More than 18 000 visitors are expected to attend the three-day event, which will transform the stadium into a hub of exhibitions, competitions, performances and business networking.
The initiative is organised by Emeraldsand Platforms and supported by Information and Communication Technology minister Emma Theofelus, who described the expo as a platform capable of unlocking new opportunities across multiple sectors of Namibia’s economy.
“The Creative Sport and Tourism Expo is more than just an exhibition,” Theofelus said during the launch. “It is a strategic economic catalyst that brings together tourism operators, sports federations, athletes, creative entrepreneurs, investors and policy makers under one roof.”
She added that while Namibia has long been recognised for its leisure tourism offering, the country has far more to present to the world.
“Namibia offers more than landscapes. We want the world to fall in love with our full offering, including our creativity, our sporting excellence and our vibrant culture,” she said.
According to the organisers, more than 200 exhibitors from the creative industries, tourism and lifestyle sectors are expected to participate, while over 20 workshops featuring entrepreneurs, experts and innovators will provide knowledge-sharing opportunities.
Under the #Games banner, more than 3 000 athletes will compete in ten different sporting codes across over 20 events, highlighting Namibia’s growing sports culture.
Emeraldsand Platforms executive Albe Botha said the expo aims to create a multiplier effect by linking the three sectors.
“When creativity, sport and tourism come together, they create experiences,” Botha said. “Experiences are the currency of the modern world.”
He explained that the CST Expo should not be seen as a once-off event, but rather as part of a year-long platform to promote Namibian talent, tourism destinations and sporting innovation.
“For exhibitors, it is a stage. For athletes, it is an arena. For entrepreneurs, it is a marketplace, and for visitors it will be an unforgettable experience,” he said.
Botha also highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, private sector stakeholders and creative entrepreneurs to ensure the long-term success of the initiative.
Minister Theofelus emphasised that platforms such as the CST Expo align with Namibia’s national development goals, particularly in creating opportunities for young people.
“Many young Namibians are already building careers in sports, digital media and creative production,” she said. “When we invest in platforms like this, we are building opportunities for the next generation.”
The expo is expected to feature live sporting competitions, cultural performances, music events and interactive exhibitions, giving visitors the chance to experience Namibia’s creative and sporting landscape firsthand.
Organisers believe the CST Expo could eventually grow into a major regional event that promotes Namibia as a destination for sport tourism, cultural experiences and innovation.
