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Rundu Trade Fair Raises N$1.3 Million Excluding Hostel Pledge
Rundu Town Council has clarified that N$1.3 million was raised through monetary and in-kind contributions at the Rundu Annual Trade Fair fundraising gala held on 3 October 2026.
The Rundu Town Council has clarified that about N$1.3 million was raised through monetary and in-kind contributions at the Rundu Annual Trade Fair fundraising gala held earlier this month.
The amount excludes a separate N$3 million commitment by Namibia Berries to construct a community hostel in the Mukwe Constituency.
The clarification revises the previously reported fundraising total of more than N$4.17 million, distinguishing contributions intended to support the trade fair from the commitment towards community infrastructure.
Namibia Berries produces blueberries for export in the Divundu area.
In response to questions from Business Pulse 360°, the council said it received approximately N$1.1 million in monetary contributions and N$192,000 in in-kind contributions, bringing the total raised for the trade fair to about N$1.3 million.
The council said the gala dinner was intended to mobilise resources to host the annual event, which provides businesses from Rundu, the Kavango East Region and other parts of Namibia with a platform to showcase and trade their products and services.
“The funds raised through the Gala Dinner will therefore be used to support the successful hosting of the Trade Fair,” the council said.
It explained that organising the trade fair is costly and requires financial support for various services and operational needs.
These include cleaning and security services, stage and sound equipment, casual workers, tents, exhibition hall partitions, ticket and gate-pass printing, electricity, water and artists’ fees.
The council also clarified that the N$98,300 contribution previously associated with it forms part of the overall funds raised through the gala and will support the hosting of the trade fair.
The council said the event is organised on a non-profit-making basis and requires financial resources to cover its operational costs.
The fundraising initiative is aimed at ensuring the trade fair provides a stronger platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs and other businesses seeking customers, partnerships and market opportunities.
The council said income from pledges and contributions, together with expenditure related to the trade fair, had been provided for in its approved 2026/2027 budget.
It added that funds received would be managed through established financial processes and used for their intended purposes in accordance with the approved budget and applicable procedures.
The council further said it compiles a report after each trade fair comparing income generated with expenditure incurred. Where expenses exceed income, the council covers the shortfall, while any surplus is also reflected in the report.
Meanwhile, the trade fair committee is still verifying contributions received and following up on outstanding commitments.
The council expects outstanding pledges to be honoured, noting that timely payments are important because suppliers and service providers must be paid for goods and services delivered before and during the event.
Beyond fundraising, the council views the gala as a platform for networking and investment mobilisation, bringing together government, businesses, financial institutions and other stakeholders.
It expects the contributions to strengthen the trade fair and help local businesses market their products, reach customers and establish partnerships.
For local businesses, the event’s ultimate value will depend on whether participation translates into commercial opportunities, stronger business relationships and sustained economic activity beyond the exhibition period.
