The Olufuko cultural festival is positioning itself beyond a celebration of tradition, with the Outapi Town Council using the annual event to promote tourism, attract investment and create economic opportunities for local businesses and communities.
Now in its 15th edition, the festival has grown into a major platform bringing together businesses, farmers, artists, entrepreneurs, cultural practitioners and Government institutions.
This year, 165 exhibitors are participating, offering products and services ranging from agriculture and arts to food, culture and business.
“The festival was created to increase Outapi’s visibility and encourage tourists who pass through the town to stop and experience what we have to offer. Today, Olufuko has grown into a platform for culture, tourism, business and investment,” said Outapi Town Council Chief Executive Officer, Ananias Nashilongo.
The festival was officially launched in 2012, although the idea dates to around 2003 and 2004.
According to Nashilongo, the council was concerned that tourists travelling to destinations such as Ruacana and Epupa Falls often passed through Outapi without spending much time in the town.
He said Olufuko was therefore conceived as a way of making Outapi a destination while promoting Aawambo culture and creating opportunities for local economic development.
“Olufuko is not only about the initiation tradition. It is about preserving our heritage, promoting indigenous knowledge, supporting our local businesses and creating opportunities through tourism, agriculture, arts and culture,” Nashilongo said.
The economic focus of this year’s festival is reflected in the number and diversity of exhibitors. The 165 exhibitors include 24 corporates, 15 arts and culture exhibitors, 35 agricultural product exhibitors, 36 SMEs and 55 Kapana vendors.
Nashilongo said the festival provides small businesses and entrepreneurs with an opportunity to access new markets, build networks and generate income.
“We want local businesses, farmers, artists and entrepreneurs to benefit from the exposure that Olufuko provides. It is important that the festival translates into real economic opportunities for the people of Outapi and the wider Omusati region,” he said.
Investment is also high on the council’s agenda, with opportunities available in housing, tourism, agriculture, commercial development and infrastructure.
One of the projects being promoted is the Outapi Smart Housing Project, which the council believes could attract investors interested in affordable and modern housing.
“Olufuko gives us an opportunity to engage potential investors and partners. We want people to see the opportunities available in Outapi and understand that the town has potential for sustainable growth and development,” Nashilongo said. The festival is also attracting international participation, with a delegation from Plateau State, Nigeria, expected to take part in the celebrations.
Its cultural troupe will showcase Nigerian cultural performances during the official opening on Friday.
The delegation is also expected to engage Namibian Traditional Authorities, government officials and businesses and visit agricultural and tourism sites in the Omusati region.
Nashilongo said such engagements could open doors for cultural, tourism and economic cooperation.
“We want to build partnerships that go beyond the festival. Cultural exchange can create opportunities for tourism, knowledge sharing, investment and stronger relationships between communities and regions,” he said.
As the festival continues until 1 September, the council is looking beyond the current edition, with plans to position Olufuko as an internationally recognised cultural and economic event.
“Our long-term vision is to attract more visitors, investors, exhibitors and cultural practitioners while creating greater opportunities for our SMEs, artists, farmers and communities. Ultimately, Olufuko must preserve our heritage while creating opportunities for future generations,” Nashilongo said.
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