KEETMANSHOOP: The Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, Lucia Iipumbu, has urged the organisers of the Keetmanshoop Agricultural, Industrial, and Tourism Expo to integrate the energy sector into their annual event. This call was made as Iipumbu officiated the 67th iteration of the expo, a five-day event held at the Westdene Stadium, running under the theme ‘Unlocking economic opportunities through trade’.
According to NAMPA, the inclusion of the energy sector in the expo is crucial, given the emerging significance of oil, gas, and the green hydrogen sector in the region. She highlighted the evolving nature of the energy sector and emphasized its potential role in strengthening economic development in the area. Iipumbu praised the event’s traditional focus on agriculture, industry, and tourism but stressed the necessity of adapting to current trends and developments.
During her address, Iipumbu noted that while agriculture, specifically small livestock farming, and tourism remain vital to the Kharas Region’s economy, innovation and adaptation are required to ensure their continued growth and productivity. She pointed out the challenges posed by climate change, such as insufficient rainfall, and called for new strategies to maintain agricultural productivity and develop the tourism sector.
Kharas Governor Aletha Frederick highlighted the expo’s importance as a platform for stakeholders from the agricultural, industrial, and tourism sectors to converge, demonstrate their advancements, and explore potential opportunities. She underscored the event’s role in stimulating the local economy of Keetmanshoop, benefiting a wide range of businesses and service providers through the influx of visitors.
Keetmanshoop Mayor McDonald Hanse described the expo as a hub for knowledge exchange, business opportunities, and community potential showcase. He urged attendees to seize the opportunity for meaningful engagement, partnership building, and learning, highlighting the presence of participants from South Africa and the broader potential for regional development and growth.