Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The inaugural MTC Branding and Marketing Indaba kicked off in Windhoek yesterday, drawing more than 300 delegates and over 30 exhibitors from across the country and the region.
Running from 9 to 11 April, the three-day event is the first of its kind in Namibia and aims to bring together professionals and experts in branding, marketing, communications, public relations, and advertising.
The event is organised by MTC, seeks to offer a platform for learning, knowledge sharing, and professional networking.
In his opening remarks, MTC’s Chief Brand, Marketing, Communications and Sustainability Officer, Tim Ekandjo, emphasised the need for a local platform focused on branding and communication.
“Branding is everything. As a country, as corporates, and as individuals, how we are perceived and the reputations we build are critical, especially in today’s fast-changing, technology-driven world,” he said.
Ekandjo said the Indaba will provide insights on how to shape and communicate effective brand messages.
“It is important that we create a Namibian platform where we convene and share ideas on how to become excellent branding, marketing, communications, and advertising professionals,” he said.
The first day of the event focused on branding and featured presentations from regional and international speakers.
These include Thebe Ikalafeng, founder of Brand Africa; Musa Kalenga, a technologist and brand communicator; Sithembile Ntombela, general manager for marketing at Brand South Africa and Zontass Nameela from Botswana, who founded the Marketing Symposium and Association of Botswana.
Day two will focus on marketing, communications, and public relations, while the final day will focus on advertising, including emerging trends and effective implementation strategies.
According to organisers, the event features 17 speakers and is structured to allow for both learning and engagement, as well as opportunities for delegates to form strategic partnerships.
The event also includes an exhibition area where companies showcase branding and marketing services, products, and innovations.
The indaba ends on 11 April with a wrap-up panel discussion on the future of branding and marketing in Namibia and the southern African region.
