Sport Expo showcases unity, growth

The 2025 Namibia Sport Expo concluded on a high note. The event was held at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund from 30 October to 1 November.

Now in its sixth edition, the event brought together athletes, administrators and key stakeholders from across the country to foster innovation, collaboration and a shared vision for the future of Namibian sport.

The Expo reaffirmed the commitment of the Namibia Sport Commission and the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture to strengthening the national sport ecosystem.

Since its Cabinet-approved inception in 2019, the Sport Expo has evolved into a national brand, continuing to thrive despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was organised in partnership with the MTC Dome, Namibia’s only accredited private high-performance centre. The event featured representatives and athletes from all 14 regions, signalling growing professionalism and unity in the country’s sporting landscape.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the deputy minister, director of sport Jo-ann Manuel reflected on the government’s funding approach and the state of national facilities. She urged federations to take proactive steps towards sustainable development.

“We need to reduce our over-dependence on government and find ways to implement our projects,” she said. “Not every athlete has access to professional facilities, and many train in challenging environments. As administrators, we must do better for their sake,” she said.

Her message underscored a call for greater accountability and initiative among sports bodies to drive athlete development.

Chief administrator Freddy Mwiya announced the launch of the Namibia Podium Performance Programme (PPP), designed to coordinate support for athletes from grassroots to elite levels.

Developed under the Africa Union Sport Council Region 5 framework, the PPP unites the Namibia National Olympic Committee, the National Paralympic Committee and all registered federations under one structure for the first time.

Backed by a N$7 million government investment, the PPP reflects Namibia’s determination to create an inclusive, high-performance sporting environment.

During the Expo, 117 athletes across 13 disciplines – Aquatics, Archery, Athletics, Boxing, Chess, Cycling, Gymnastics, Judo, Karate, Para Sport, Tennis, Triathlon, and Wrestling – were officially named as the inaugural members of the programme.

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