A deadline of 30 November 2025 has been set for expressions of interest (EOI) to develop a film city in Namibia to bolster creative industries in the country and region.
The EOI was officially launched on Monday by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during the ‘Experience Namibia in New York’ event.
The event was held on the margins of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
It is estimated that the film city could generate millions in annual revenue and create a significant number of jobs.
At the event in New York, the President called on investors, creatives and international partners to help make the film city a reality.
Nandi-Ndaitwah described the film city project as central to her government’s vision for job creation, cultural preservation and economic growth.
Government has identified the culture and creative industries as a priority sector for development, with the potential to drive economic growth and employment creation.
Central to this is positioning Namibia as a leading creative hub in Africa, an authentic destination where local, African and global stories come to life.
This vision will be realised through the development of the Namibia Film and Creative City.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) noted that the Namibia Film and Creative City will be developed as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), providing a comprehensive range of services, from state-of-the-art film production facilities and talent casting agencies to accommodation and hospitality.
“The city is poised to serve as a catalyst for the growth of Namibia’s creative economy by offering world-class infrastructure, robust platforms for skills development, internships and on-the-job learning, ensuring a pipeline of Namibian creative talent. Further to that, the project is expected to boost tourism by stimulating both leisure and business tourism, while increasing the export potential of Namibia’s creative content. The focus will be directed toward key sub-sectors, including fashion design, music and performing arts, filmmaking as well as technology and innovation, among others,” stated NIPDB spokesperson Catherine Shipushu.
She added that launching the call that sets in motion the transformation of Namibia’s creative industry at the UNGA is significant in two ways. Firstly, it was at the UN Assembly in September 1978 that the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 435, setting Namibia on the path to independence.
Secondly, the world’s most influential decision-makers and investors are currently gathered in New York City, offering an unparalleled opportunity for direct engagement and a platform to promote Namibia to potential partners.
Shipushu added that, to inspire investor confidence and project viability, government will provide robust policy and fiscal incentives, including secure land allocation within an SEZ, fast-tracked permits, visas and one-stop investor services.
“This bid is open to Namibian and international entities with proven experience in large scale infrastructure or creative industry project development as well as strong financial capability to mobilise and secure investment and global partnerships, amongst others,” Shipushu stated.
Interested parties are required to register to obtain the full terms of reference by completing a Google form available on the NIPDB’s website.
In addition, a compulsory virtual briefing session is scheduled for 15 October 2025, where more information is expected to be provided to interested parties.