Businesses in Namibia’s startup ecosystem face significant challenges in scaling beyond domestic markets. 

These hurdles are compounded by limited commercialisation platforms, restricted access to funding and a lack of structured support for entrepreneurs. 

As a result, some Namibian innovators struggle to develop and commercialise their ideas locally, with limited cross-border financial transaction capabilities.

 This makes it difficult for startups to expand regionally and globally. 

Recognising these challenges, the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST), the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and various stakeholders have joined forces to launch ScaleUp Namibia (SUN), an initiative designed to foster innovation, accelerate startup growth, and position Namibia as a global leader in emerging solutions. 

The initiative was officially launched in Windhoek last month, marking a significant step towards Namibia’s transition into a knowledge-based economy. 

ScaleUp Namibia is a collaborative intervention, aimed at bridging the gap between ideation and commercialisation for Namibian startups. 

The initiative provides coordinated support to local entrepreneurs and innovators through mentorship, investment facilitation, acceleration programmes and the establishment of key infrastructure, such as co-working spaces, makerspaces and digital transformation centres. 

Through this initiative, entrepreneurs and innovators will gain access to structured programmes to equip them with the skills and resources needed to effectively scale their businesses. 

Additionally, ScaleUp Namibia will advocate for a conducive policy environment by actively engaging with regulators to streamline processes, improve the ease of doing business and remove constraints that hinder the success of Namibian startups locally and in international markets. 

In a speech delivered on his behalf, NIPDB’s executive for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) development and export promotion Peter Shivute said strong collaboration between key stakeholders is crucial to the success of ScaleUp Namibia. 

“The partner organisations are the foundations and the pillars of fostering entrepreneurship, innovation and technology ecosystems. 

“This network brings together the vital players, who cultivate and empower the entrepreneurs and innovators of our ecosystem. Today, we celebrate their continuous efforts in moulding and nurturing entrepreneurial talent,” he said. 

CEO of the NCRST Prof. Anicia Peters noted that entrepreneurs need an enabling and opportunity-rich environment to succeed. 

“I would love for our startups to find a home in Namibia where they can thrive. We have so much potential, but we need to create spaces where innovation is supported, nurtured and allowed to grow,” she said. 

The NIPDB currently serves as the facilitator for ScaleUp Namibia, which is directly linked to its statutory mandate to drive economic development through the empowerment of MSMEs and startups. 

By supporting entrepreneurship, fostering innovation and promoting investment, SUN aligns with NIPDB’s vision of creating a diversified and resilient Namibian economy. 

The NCRST serves as coordinator for ScaleUp Namibia by ensuring accreditation and certification of innovations, developing technology stations to support research and development as well as fostering collaboration among Science Technology and Innovation (STI) stakeholders. 

Overall, it strengthens Namibia’s innovation ecosystem, supporting economic growth and national development goals that align with NCRST’s mandate of promoting innovation and optimum development of intellectual capacity. 

The goal of the initiative is to establish Namibia as a competitive player in the global startup ecosystem, enabling local entrepreneurs to scale their businesses beyond national borders. 

In addition, the project website was launched, which will serve as a central hub, providing information on ScaleUp Namibia, opportunities within the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem. 

Also included is a dashboard that presents key data about the domestic entrepreneurship ecosystem. 

The challenge is now set for the Namibian startup community to unlock the opportunities in the country’s ecosystems by solving problems for Namibia and the world. 

The entrepreneurial support organisations and enablers that form part of the ScaleUp Namibia Network are Acelera Namibia, Afrisource Innovation Centre, Basecamp Business Incubator, Co-Creation Hub, Facilit8 Namibia, It Takes A Village, Global Entrepreneurship Network Namibia, Glowdom, Impact Tank, Launch Namibia, Mindsinaction, Namibia Business Innovation Institute, Namibia Innovation Hub, Python Namibia, RLabs Namibia and the University of Namibia – Innovation and development Accelerator.