The 2026 Olufuko annual cultural festival is underway at the Olufuko centre in Outapi, bringing together culture, heritage, education, business, tourism, entertainment and community development.
The festival runs from 24 August to 1 September.
This year’s festival has attracted 120 young girls from traditional authorities across the omusati region to participate in the Olufuko initiation programme.
It has also attracted 165 exhibitors from government institutions, businesses, SMEs, educational institutions, artists, cultural practitioners and agricultural stakeholders.
“The level of participation this year shows that Olufuko continues to grow as an important platform for culture and community development. We are pleased to see different sectors coming together to showcase what they have to offer,” said Outapi Town Council Chief Executive Officer Ananias Nashilongo.
A major highlight will be the official opening today, which will be officiated by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Government leaders, Traditional Authorities, exhibitors, cultural practitioners and members of the public are expected to attend.
The festival has also attracted an international delegation from Plateau State, Nigeria, led by its Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
The delegation will participate in the celebrations and engage with traditional authorities, government officials and business representatives.
“The participation of the Nigerian delegation gives the festival an important international dimension. It creates an opportunity for cultural exchange and for us to explore areas of cooperation beyond our borders,” Nashilongo said. The Plateau state cultural troupe will perform at the festival, showcasing traditional music and cultural expressions from Nigeria.
The delegation will also visit selected agricultural and tourism sites across the Omusati region.
The visits, led by Omusati governor Immanuel Shikongo, are aimed at promoting knowledge exchange, tourism and broader cooperation between Namibia and Nigeria.
“We believe that culture can open doors for tourism, business and knowledge sharing. These engagements allow us to learn from one another while also promoting the opportunities available in the Omusati region,” Nashilongo said.
Another attraction was the horse racing competition, that took place on Wednesday, at the Olufuko Centre.
Hosted by the Onamatanga horse racing club, the competition will feature 1 200m, 1 600m and 1 800m categories.
Twelve participants have registered so far, while registration remains open until the day of the competition. Several prizes are up for grabs.
“The horse racing is another exciting addition to the festival programme. We want Olufuko to provide activities that appeal to different groups while maintaining the cultural character of the festival,” Nashilongo said.
The festival will also feature Oxungi, a live cultural dialogue to be broadcast on NBC TV and the Outapi Town Council’s social media platforms.
The discussion will focus on cultural preservation, indigenous knowledge, education, youth and women empowerment, tourism, entrepreneurship and the contribution of culture to national development.
“Culture is not something that belongs only to the past. It has a role to play in shaping our future, particularly in empowering young people, promoting entrepreneurship and creating opportunities through tourism,” Nashilongo said.
The festival continues until 1 September, with the public encouraged to attend and experience the cultural, educational, business and entertainment activities taking place at the Olufuko Centre.
Nashilongo said the council remains committed to ensuring that the festival continues to grow and provides a platform for people to celebrate their heritage while contributing to local development.
“Olufuko belongs to everyone. We invite the public to come and be part of this celebration, support our exhibitors and artists, and take pride in the richness of our cultural heritage,” he said.
-vkaapanda@nepc.com.na
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