Namibia Minute.
Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board

Also known as: NIPDB · Namibian Investment Promotion and Development Board

Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board — promotes trade, investment and industrial development; subject to corruption allegations involving former CEO Nangula Uaandja.

2022-05-132026-06-08

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. January 2026
  2. New Era

    Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board issued a statement via spokesperson describing StartupBlink Index methodology and focus areas

    Source

    According to a statement issued by Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board spokesperson Catherine Shipushu, the StartupBlink Index looks at how easy it is for innovators and entrepreneurs to do business in different countries.

    Namibia: Africa's business capital
  3. The Namibian

    Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board spokesperson Catherine Shipushu stated the achievement positions Namibia as a trusted destination for innovators and entrepreneurs

    Source

    "This achievement positions Namibia as a trusted destination for innovators and entrepreneurs seeking confidence and stability when establishing and growing their ventures," says Shipushu.

    Namibia ranks as Africa’s best country to start a business
  4. The Namibian

    Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board says will arrive in the country American streamer Darren Watkins Jr on Tuesday

    Source

    The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) says American streamer Darren Watkins Jr, popularly known as IShowSpeed, will arrive in the country on Tuesday.

    IShowSpeed set to arrive in Namibia on Tuesday
  5. The Namibian

    The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) spends excessive time in Dubai, Europe and other distant cities on glossy tours

    Source

    The Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) and Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) spend excessive time in Dubai, Europe and other distant cities on glossy tours, instead of prioritising Africa's most immediate and lucrative markets.

    How Namibia Can Leverage Digital Marketing to Attract Investment
  6. The Namibian

    Tupandule Shipo-Nghidengwa is a consultant of policy research at NIPDB

    Source

    Tupandule Shipo-Nghidengwa is a consultant of policy research at NIPDB.

    Understanding Country Competitiveness and Why It Matters for Namibia
  7. December 2025
  8. The Namibian

    Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board board members scheduled a meeting with allegedly without informing the president; their line minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi

    Source

    Earlier this year, some Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) board members scheduled a meeting with her – allegedly without informing their line minister, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, beforehand.

    Inside Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency: Prayers, sacking ministers and the rise of a small power circle
  9. July 2024
  10. The Namibian

    NIPDB urged the government to grant wealthy foreigners permanent residency for buying retirement farms

    Source

    The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) has urged the government to grant wealthy foreigners with an interest in buying Namibian retirement farms permanent residency.

    Rich foreigners eye Namibian farms
  11. May 2024
  12. The Namibian

    Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board is co-hosting the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum in Windhoek

    Source

    This was said in a statement yesterday by Nangula Uaandja, chairperson and chief executive of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), which is co-hosting the event.

    Namibia to showcase opportunities in hospitality sector
  13. August 2023
  14. The Namibian

    Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) hosted the meeting held on 24 and 25 July.

    Source

    The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) hosted the meeting held on 24 and 25 July that was attended by politicians, government officials and chief executive officers of international corporations.

    Govt secretive on new green hydrogen-linked projects
  15. The Namibian

    NIPDB has refused to provide details about the meetings.

    Source

    NIPDB has refused to provide details about the meetings, including the names of the participants or the topics that were discussed.

    Govt secretive on new green hydrogen-linked projects
Politics

Anonymous whistleblower alleges corruption at NIPDB

The News

An anonymous complaint submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission has alleged corruption, nepotism, favouritism and governance irregularities at the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board under former CEO Nangula Uaandja between 2021 and 2025. The allegations, which have not been independently verified, include claims of recruitment irregularities, including the appointment of Tinus Fourie to positions without public advertisement or interview.

Why it matters

Anonymous whistleblower corruption allegations at NIPDB name former CEO and raise governance irregularities that warrant anti-corruption commission investigation.

2 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Tuesday 2 June

  1. Anonymous whistleblower alleges corruption at NIPDB

    An anonymous complaint submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission has alleged corruption, nepotism, favouritism and governance irregularities at the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board under former CEO Nangula Uaandja between 2021 and 2025. The allegations, which have not been independently verified, include claims of recruitment irregularities, including the appointment of Tinus Fourie to positions without public advertisement or interview.

    2 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Sunday 31 May

  1. Namibia promotes industrial growth through AfCFTA integration

    Namibia's Ministry of International Relations and Trade, alongside the NIPDB and NTF, is participating in the 3rd Invest in Africa 2026 Trade Expo in Swakopmund (28–30 May) to advance continental economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area. The summit aims to develop practical approaches to the AfCFTA framework while promoting trade, investment, and industrial growth across the continent, with Minister Ashipala-Musavyi highlighting that intra-African trade currently stands at about 16% and calling for deeper regional integration.

    31 May 2026 · Informanté

  2. Namibia to host China trade forums ahead of presidential visit

    Namibia will hold a trade mission and business forums alongside President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's State Visit to China from 6 to 10 July 2026, focusing on agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, energy, and other strategic sectors. Businesses are invited to register for a NIPDB webinar on exporting to China under its zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries.

    31 May 2026 · Informanté

Thursday 21 May

  1. Namibia ranks second in Southern Africa startup ecosystems

    Namibia maintains second place in Southern Africa's startup ecosystem rankings after South Africa, ranking 94th globally and 10th in Africa according to the 2026 StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index, though it dropped nine places globally from 2025 despite recording 8.2% ecosystem growth.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Wednesday 20 May

  1. Namibia gains China zero-tariff access; uranium dominates trade

    Namibia's recent inclusion in China's zero-tariff market access arrangement marks a major development as trade relations between the countries deepen. In 2025, bilateral trade exceeded N$39 billion with China as Namibia's second-largest trading partner, with exports accounting for 18.1% of total exports (N$22.7 billion) driven primarily by uranium, nickel, cobalt, lead, and copper ores.

    20 May 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Namibia drops to 94th in global startup rankings

    Namibia has dropped nine places to 94th globally and slipped from 8th to 10th in Africa in the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2026, with annual ecosystem growth of 8.2% falling below the global average. The country retained its position as southern Africa's second-ranked startup ecosystem behind South Africa, and Windhoek remains its only city ranked in the world's top 1,000 startup ecosystems.

    20 May 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 14 May

  1. Margaret Gustavo appointed NWR acting managing director for two years

    Cabinet has approved the appointment of Margaret Gustavo as acting managing director of Namibia Wildlife Resorts for a two-year period ending April 2028, as government moves to stabilise the state-owned tourism entity. Cabinet has also directed the Ministry to develop a comprehensive turnaround strategy for the parastatal over the next 24 months.

    14 May 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 8 May

  1. Namibia to submit green industrial investment plan by October

    Namibia is expected to submit its sectoral transformation investment plan under the Climate Investment Funds Industry Decarbonisation Programme by October, aiming to unlock up to US$250 million in concessional climate finance for low-carbon industrial development. The plan will identify projects and policy measures to move Namibia from planning into implementation, with 78 projects and developers already shortlisted for engagement.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Wednesday 29 April

  1. Lüderitz hosts 19th annual Crayfish Festival

    The 19th annual Lüderitz Crayfish Festival runs from 28 April to 3 May 2026, featuring a business forum, music performances by local and regional artists including Gazza, King Biko, and Sam Deep, and motorsport activities, with government participation.

    29 April 2026 · Informanté

Sunday 12 April

  1. Namibia's new information commissioner post criticized as wasteful

    An opinion piece argues that appointing an information commissioner at N$1.4 million annually is unnecessary bureaucracy, asserting existing government institutions and online resources already provide public information. The author contends that inefficiency in government responsiveness, not lack of access, is the real problem Namibia should address.

    12 April 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 26 March

  1. Namibia and Russia open 11th trade cooperation session

    Minister of International Relations Selma Ashipala-Musavyi welcomed Russian officials to Windhoek for the 11th session of the Namibia–Russia intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation, highlighting a new business forum and potential joint ventures in agriculture, fertiliser manufacturing, and mining.

    26 March 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 19 March

  1. Mauritius seeks deeper digital technology partnership with Namibia

    At the Namibia–Mauritius Business ICT Forum, Mauritius Minister of Information Technology Avinash Ramtohul said his country is ready to work closely with Africa as a trusted digital partner, offering expertise in digital infrastructure, AI strategy, and data governance. Namibia's investment board highlighted opportunities in fintech, cybersecurity, and mobile payments, noting the country has 88% mobile penetration but needs investment to extend digital services to underserved rural areas.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

Tuesday 17 March

  1. Finland partners with Namibia to strengthen circular economy

    Finland and Namibia have partnered to strengthen the local circular economy, focusing on resource efficiency and sustainable growth across mining, energy and agricultural sectors. Namibia became the first African country to host a dialogue under the World Circular Economy Forum, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and private sector representatives to develop practical circular economy solutions.

    17 March 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 16 March

  1. Namibia and Russia seek to deepen economic cooperation ties

    Namibia and Russia held a business forum to strengthen economic cooperation and create trade and investment opportunities, with discussions focused on agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and technology. Minister Ashipala-Musavyi noted that while political relations are strong, trade has remained limited, with Namibia exporting US$13 million and importing US$39.5 million from Russia in 2024.

    16 March 2026 · New Era

Wednesday 4 March

  1. Namibia records N$19.5 billion FDI in first half 2025

    The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board reports that foreign direct investment has experienced strong rebound, with N$19.5 billion in net inflows in the first half of 2025. Between 2021 and 2024, cumulative net FDI reached N$114.9 billion, driven by investments across oil and gas, mining, financial services, transport and logistics, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors.

    4 March 2026 · Informanté

Tuesday 3 March

  1. Namibia launches investment guide to attract foreign investors

    The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board launched a new Namibian Investment Guide, a seven-volume document aimed at marketing Namibia as an ideal investment destination and providing information about the country's economic sectors, business registration processes, and investment climate. The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Trade said the guide will be used by Namibia's embassies and high commissions to promote the country abroad and supports the President's vision of prioritizing investment in infrastructure, agriculture, and urban land development.

    3 March 2026 · New Era

  2. Namibia and Germany launch TalentsBridge youth training scheme

    Namibia and Germany have launched TalentsBridge Namibia, a skills training programme designed to address Namibia's 36.9% unemployment rate and Germany's shortage of skilled workers. The project will offer training in industrial electrics, wholesale and retail, and hospitality, with the first 100 trainees starting vocational courses in September 2026.

    3 March 2026 · New Era

  3. Germany and Namibia launch skills development programme

    TalentsBridge Namibia, a partnership between Namibia and Germany, was officially launched to address youth unemployment in Namibia and skilled worker shortages in Germany through structured vocational training. The initiative will prepare young Namibians for employment in sectors including Industrial Electrics, Wholesale and Retail, and Hospitality, with applications now open and 100 participants selected in the first year.

    3 March 2026 · Informanté

  4. Government cuts funding to state-owned enterprises in 2026/27

    The finance ministry plans to reduce subsidies and capital transfers to state-owned enterprises from N$1.3 billion in 2025/26 to N$615.7 million in 2026/27, citing fiscal consolidation and high public debt. Several SOEs including TransNamib and the Agricultural Bank of Namibia will receive no government transfers, while priority support goes to the National Housing Enterprise and Road Fund Administration.

    3 March 2026 · The Namibian

  5. NTB promotional banners feature wildlife that don't exist in Namibia

    The Namibian Tourism Board used banners depicting a Thompson's Gazelle (which does not occur in Namibia) and an AI-generated elephant at international tourism fairs. The opinion piece awards the NTB, NIPDB, and South African Airways "Mamparra of the Year" for the embarrassing error.

    3 March 2026 · Informanté

Wednesday 25 February

  1. ScaleUp Namibia platform connects innovation hubs to support SME growth

    Namibia has launched the ScaleUp Namibia (SUN) platform to strengthen support for small and medium enterprises by coordinating fragmented innovation support structures under a single national framework. The initiative, structured around five pillars including funding, infrastructure, and capacity development, aims to help entrepreneurs scale beyond survival by making the innovation value chain more accessible and reducing barriers to growth.

    25 February 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 23 February

  1. ScaleUp Namibia office launches to support start-ups

    The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board and the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology inaugurated ScaleUp Namibia offices to centralise support for entrepreneurs by bringing innovation hubs and support organisations under one roof, aiming to improve access to mentorship, funding and reduce fragmentation in Namibia's start-up ecosystem.

    23 February 2026 · New Era

Tuesday 17 February

  1. US energy officials tour Baker Hughes facility at Walvis Bay

    A US government delegation led by Ambassador John Giordano visited Baker Hughes' integrated facility at Walvis Bay Port to observe Namibia's energy sector development. The company operates major infrastructure including liquid mud and cement facilities that support offshore operations and local employment and training initiatives.

    17 February 2026 · New Era

  2. Deputy minister pitches Namibia as uranium and mining hub

    Namibia's deputy minister of industries, mines and energy told the Africa Mining Indaba 2026 in Cape Town that Namibia offers stable mining conditions and positions itself as a strategic partner in the global energy transition, with uranium production complemented by offshore oil and gas, renewable energy, and green hydrogen. The minister highlighted investment-ready projects and commitments to beneficiation, artisanal mining support, and sustainable development.

    17 February 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 12 February

  1. Namibia pitches mining, energy and logistics growth strategy

    Namibian officials showcased the country's development strategy at the Mining Indaba in Cape Town, emphasizing mining as a foundation for economic growth and positioning Namibia as a regional logistics hub with potential for energy development and mineral value-addition.

    12 February 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Namibia and Gabon launch business partnership initiative

    Namibia and Gabon held a business promotion day in Windhoek to forge investment ties and share economic opportunities. Both countries aim to diversify away from crude oil dependence and leverage their membership in the African Continental Free Trade Area, though they currently do not engage in bilateral trade.

    12 February 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 10 February

  1. Namibia urged to negotiate stronger US resource deals

    Lawmakers have urged the government to negotiate stronger, value-driven deals as the US seeks to position Namibia as a strategic partner for uranium and offshore oil and gas resources. Parliamentarians stress that Namibia must prioritize national interests and negotiate from strength, with some citing Venezuela's institutional collapse as a cautionary lesson.

    10 February 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 9 February

  1. Namibia's poultry sector shows strong growth amid input cost challenges

    The Namibia Agricultural Union reports that the poultry sector is the second-largest contributor to farmers' cash receipts, with broiler production up 14.94% in 2024 and egg production up 6.63%. Growth is expected to continue in 2025, though the sector faces challenges from high input costs, climate variability, and animal health risks including potential avian influenza spillover from South Africa.

    9 February 2026 · Informanté

Saturday 7 February

  1. Namibia to showcase mining opportunities at 2026 Indaba

    Namibia will participate in the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026 in Cape Town in February to attract investors and development partners to its mining sector. The country will host two investment-focused sessions highlighting its stable mining environment, mineral resources including uranium and diamonds, and projects seeking support for exploration, processing and value addition.

    7 February 2026 · New Era

Friday 6 February

  1. Namibia showcases mining investment opportunities at February indaba

    Namibia will present its investment-ready mining opportunities at the Investing in African Mining Indaba on 11 February, positioning itself as a stable jurisdiction with a proven regulatory framework. The country is seeking investors for exploration, beneficiation, and downstream value addition as part of its long-term mining and industrialisation strategy.

    6 February 2026 · The Namibian

Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute