Sostenus Wilherm
More than three years after construction began, Omuthiya’s new open market remains incomplete, with the town’s third Business Expo now seeking to raise funds towards completing the facility.
Mayor Wilbard Anyemba told the Windhoek Observer that the expo, running from 26 to 31 October at the New Open Market Centre, aims to support small businesses while mobilising resources for the project.
“The main objective of the third Omuthiya Business Expo is twofold, to raise funds towards the construction and completion of our Open Market, and to provide a platform for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), local entrepreneurs and emerging traders to showcase and sell their products and services,” Anyemba said.
The town council began construction of the market during the 2022/23 financial year, but the facility remains incomplete more than three years later.
Anyemba said the expo was intended to ensure that the event delivered lasting benefits by linking business promotion with investment in infrastructure that could support local traders beyond the six-day gathering.
“By linking the expo to the development of the Open Market, we are not only creating a temporary business opportunity but also investing in infrastructure that will serve our traders and the wider community in the long term,” he said.
He said small and medium enterprises were important to local economic development because of their role in employment creation, poverty reduction and business growth.
The mayor said the New Open Market Centre was selected as the venue because of its central location, making it accessible to residents, visitors, traders and potential investors.
Its fenced-off premises also provide additional security and allow for better management of activities.
Once completed, the facility is expected to provide a dedicated and organised trading space for local businesses.
“We believe that a well-functioning open market can contribute to increased trade, improved opportunities for small businesses and a more vibrant local economy,” Anyemba said.
The council expects approximately 85 exhibitors to participate in this year’s expo, giving businesses from different sectors an opportunity to promote their products, increase brand visibility and establish commercial relationships.
Anyemba said participation offered more than an opportunity to make sales, as traders could also learn about customer preferences, identify potential partners and explore new markets.
He urged residents to support participating businesses by purchasing their products and services.
“When we buy locally, we help keep money circulating within our community, strengthen small businesses and contribute to the creation and sustainability of jobs,” he said.
The mayor said the town council’s efforts extended beyond organising the annual event, with a broader focus on creating opportunities for sustained economic and social development.
This year’s programme includes entertainment and cultural activities such as the Music Bash, Ohungi and a traditional San community house, which Anyemba said were intended to attract public interest and allow different participants to benefit from the event.
He said the long-term success of the expo would depend on progress towards completing the open market and the ability of businesses to maintain relationships established during the event.
“We recognise that the real measure of success is not only what happens during the six days, but also what remains afterwards,” he said.
Anyemba expressed optimism that the expo would attract residents, visitors and potential investors while providing participating businesses with opportunities to increase sales and establish new commercial relationships.
Although the official attendance figure was not yet available, he said the council expected strong interest in the event.
He added that the council would need to assess the actual outcomes before quantifying the expo’s impact on business growth and job creation.
The mayor also invited potential investors to consider Omuthiya as a growing town with opportunities for entrepreneurship and trade, saying the council remained committed to creating an environment that supports local businesses.
“My message to the residents of Omuthiya is that this expo belongs to all of us. I encourage everyone to come out in numbers, support our local businesses, purchase locally made products and participate in the activities on offer,” he said.
