The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) have launched ScaleUp Namibia (SUN), an initiative aimed at fostering innovation, accelerating startup growth, and positioning Namibia as a global leader in emerging solutions.
ScaleUp Namibia is designed to bridge 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.
NIPDB Executive for MSME Development and Export Promotion, Peter Shivute, emphasised that 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 molding and nurturing entrepreneurial talent,” he said.
Through this initiative, entrepreneurs and innovators will gain access to structured programmes designed 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.
Chief Executive Officer of NCRST, Anicia Peters, stressed the importance of an enabling environment for entrepreneurs.
“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,” Peters said.
The NIPDB currently serves as the facilitator for ScaleUp Namibia, aligning with its statutory mandate to drive economic development through the empowerment of MSMEs and startups.
Meanwhile, the NCRST coordinates ScaleUp Namibia by ensuring accreditation and certification of innovations, developing technology stations to support research and development (R&D), and fostering collaboration among Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) stakeholders.
