The Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) of Namibia says it will not grant businesses an extension for its annual duty waiver programme which is slated to end on 30 June 2024.
The programme, launched in November 2023, and initially scheduled to end on 31 March 2024, aimed to alleviate the financial burden of businesses facing penalties for late or non-payment of annual duties. BIPA granted a single extension until 30 June 2024.
According to BIPA’s Executive for Marketing, Corporate Communication and Client Management Services Ockert Jansen, the extension provided additional time for businesses to file annual returns and settle outstanding penalties without incurring further charges.
“In response to the programme’s end, businesses expressed concerns about limited time, lack of awareness, and accessibility due to BIPA’s centralised location. So, we listened to the business community,” he said.
He further highlighted outreach efforts undertaken, including regional roadshows, to ensure wider program accessibility.
“We expanded the programme’s reach by visiting all 14 regions, with a particular focus on underserved areas,” he said.
Jansen added that BIPA plans to launch a wholly online business registration system, aiming to streamline the business registration process and improve efficiency for entrepreneurs.
This initiative comes amidst BIPA’s efforts to modernise its services and provide a more convenient platform for business formation in Namibia.
“I’m excited to announce that BIPA is in the process of developing and procuring an integrated business registration system. This will allow businesses to file their business registration documents and compliance documents to maintain their businesses from the comfort of their home or their business,” he said.
He further explained that this will significantly reduce processing times and eliminate the need for entrepreneurs to visit BIPA offices in person.
“Our timeline currently is probably the next 18 to 24 months. The procurement is currently with the Central Procurement Board of Namibia. Which means that it needs to follow certain processes in terms of the public procurement act,” he said.
