Limpopo is using the 25th Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair to connect local businesses with potential customers, retailers and partners in Namibia as the province looks to expand their reach beyond South Africa.
The trade fair runs from 21 to 29 August in Ongwediva, north of Namibia, giving participating businesses an opportunity to showcase their products, meet potential buyers and explore new partnerships.
Led by the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), the provincial outward trade mission is part of Limpopo’s wider economic relationship with Namibia and its efforts to create new market-access opportunities for local businesses.
Limpopo has participated in the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair for 16 years, since 2010, using the platform to promote its products, investment opportunities, tourism offering and economic capabilities.
Local businesses look across the border
The trade mission has brought more than 10 Limpopo businesses to Namibia, giving them a platform to showcase their products, meet potential partners and explore new markets.
Among the businesses at the fair is Oumies Grande, an agro-processing enterprise founded and directed by Muofhe Ratshikombo in Venda, Limpopo.
The business manufactures, supplies and distributes traditional homemade condiments made from fresh green organic mangoes sourced from local farmers and households with mango trees.
Ratshikombo said she is hoping to connect with Namibian retailers and distributors.
“I am here in Namibia for the annual Ongwediva Trade Show, looking forward to possible collaborations with Namibian retailers and distributors. This will help me grow my company back in Limpopo, South Africa, as well as create more employment.”
Mukatani Safari Clothing is also exploring the Namibian market.
Founder Malebo Matlala, from Tjatane Village in Sekhukhune District, designs and manufactures safari clothing from home. She started the business in 2019 and has since grown it to employ six people.
“What we’ve realised as Mukatani is that people here love safari, so there are many opportunities. We’re looking forward to partnering with local entrepreneurs and growing our business back home.”
Matlala said the business also hopes to expand manufacturing and eventually export its products.
Building business connections
The fair has created opportunities for direct engagement between Limpopo exhibitors and Namibian businesses.
A speed-marketing session brought exhibitors together with Namibian businesses to discuss partnerships, market access and ways of turning existing trade agreements into practical business activity.
The provincial delegation includes the Office of the Premier, LEDET, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the Department of Agriculture, the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA), the Limpopo Tourism Agency, Musina Local Municipality, SEDFA Limpopo and participating businesses.
The mission forms part of Limpopo’s wider economic diplomacy and market-access agenda, with the province positioning itself as a gateway between South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
From agreements to opportunities
The business engagements are taking place alongside efforts to strengthen the Limpopo–Namibia relationship.
Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah praised Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba during the official opening, saying the delegation demonstrated the importance attached to the relationship.
The relationship is supported by a memorandum of understanding between Limpopo and Namibia’s four northern regions, covering trade, investment, tourism, culture and economic development.
LEDET Head of Department Dr Matodzi Rathumbu said the province wanted to move the relationship towards implementation.
“We will review the Action Plan and refine a practical programme of action aimed at strengthening the bonds between our people, promoting social cohesion and, importantly, consolidating trade relations between our regions,” Rathumbu said.
Rathumbu invited Namibian businesses and investors to the Limpopo Investment Conference in October, as the province seeks to turn the trade mission into new partnerships, investment and market opportunities.
