Generalizes on the best strategy to enter the market, e.g., visiting the country; importance of relationships to finding a good partner; use of agents.
The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), an entity within the Office of the President, advises investors on procedures for entering the Namibian market and establishing a business. NIPDB’s services include assisting investing companies with registration and facilitating applications for work permits.
To conduct business in Namibia, it is helpful (though not required) to have a local presence or a local partner. It may be worthwhile to establish business relationships before tender opportunities are announced. U.S. firms should seek local partners with a good reputation in their line of business or complementary business. The NIPDB can assist foreign investors and companies in identifying local partners.
The Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) is a one-stop center for all business and intellectual property rights (IPR) registrations and related matters. In 2017, the Ministry of Industrialization and Trade (MIT) launched NamBizOne, a single-window information portal to guide domestic and foreign investors on the administrative and legal requirements to invest, start, and run a business in Namibia. This portal includes guidance on submitting an investment proposal, incorporating one’s business, registering for tax and social security purposes, and applying for all relevant licenses.