The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) launched the Namibian Investment Guide yesterday, a new document aimed at marketing Namibia as an ideal place to invest.
During the launch, the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Trade, Jenelly Matundu, said the Namibian Investment Guide is more than just a document. It is intended to assist in marketing Namibia as an ideal investment destination.
“I would like to express my appreciation to the teams that have worked tirelessly to produce the document before us today,” she said.
Matundu said the guide supports the vision of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who has promised to prioritise investment in infrastructure, agriculture and urban land development.
“These are basic enablers that will help to unlock further investment opportunities, enhance economic productivity, promote economic growth, and improve the quality of life of our people,” she said.
As the minister responsible for investment policies, she said she is committed to ensuring policy certainty for investors.
She noted that the Namibia Investment Promotion and Facilitation Bill is currently being finalised.
“We remain committed to finalising the Namibia Investment Promotion and Facilitation Bill before the end of this calendar year. When it comes to investment and doing business in Namibia, there must be policy certainty and clear institutional arrangements,” she said.
She said Namibia’s embassies and high commissions will use the guide to promote the country abroad.
“This document gives information about Namibia, its economic sectors and the processes involved in registering and doing business. It could not have come at a better time,” she said.
The guide consists of seven volumes. The first volume, which was launched today, provides a country profile and key economic information.
Other volumes will cover the investment climate, starting and operating a business, immigration and labour regulations, tax laws, banking and foreign currency regulations, and land access.
Jessica Hauuanga acting CEOof NIPDB, said the guide is the result of months of hard work.
“It has been a long journey from ideation to launch, but we welcome this moment. This guide is a strategic priority and a critical resource to support all investment attraction efforts,” she said.
Hauuanga said research shows that predictability and policy consistency are important for investors.
“This guide is going to strengthen the case for ease of doing business in Namibia. It will reduce uncertainty, which can be a barrier to entry,” she said.
She added that recent foreign direct investment figures show that efforts to promote Namibia are working.
“With this guide in place as a trusted source of credible information for both foreign and domestic investors, we are confident that investors will now have the necessary information to make informed decisions faster,” Hauuanga said.