Windhoek — The just ended Swapo Party Congress was an ideal business platform for ingenious entrepreneurs who set up stalls around the Safari Hotel Conference Centre selling Swapo Party inspired T-shirts, pants, jerseys, shoes, and even sweets to the more than 600 delegates who convened there for four days.

Prior to yesterday morning, when election results for the vice-presidency of the party were announced, entrepreneurs sold merchandise and other party paraphernalia advertising the three candidates who stood for the vice-presidency position - Jerry Ekandjo, Dr Hage Geingob and Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana.

There were T-shirts, scarves, and even water bottles, each with the candidate's name and face.

Paulus Angula is one of the entrepreneurs who, while deliberations went on behind closed doors, used his photography skills to make money. Before the election results were announced in the early hours of Sunday morning, people attending the congress took pictures with their favourite candidates.

"Everybody wants to take a picture with their favourite candidate. Even though [the money he made] is not much it makes a difference and I can say the business is booming," said Angula.

Emilia Ndjuluwa sold over 100 Ndilimani cultural troupe CDs during the congress. "People are indeed buying," said Liina Limpemba who sold sweets and recharge vouchers.

The Swapo Party congress, which started last Thursday, ended yesterday morning.