The Namibia Institute of Corporate Governance (NICG) plans to introduce a formal certified director development programme as part of wider efforts to strengthen board competency and governance standards amid sweeping regulatory reforms and an influx of first-time directors.
Speaking at the NICG Leading the Board workshop and masterclass in Windhoek, NICG Chairperson Desmond Nikanor said Namibia’s governance landscape is changing rapidly as legislative reforms, stronger shareholder oversight and higher fiduciary expectations reshape the role of directors.
He said the institute’s priorities for the remainder of the year include launching a certified director development programme, updating the NamCode, and introducing governance rankings to benchmark organisational performance.
“If you have a new wave of professionals entering boards, they may be technically proficient in their jobs, but there is a whole governance skill set they must develop. This skill set must be standardised. Our neighbours already require directors overseeing certain organisations to be certified, and that makes sense. That is one of the directions we are heading towards,” Nikanor said.
He said governance reforms, particularly in the public sector, are increasing the responsibilities of directors as government adopts a more active shareholder role in public enterprises.
According to Nikanor, proposed amendments to the Public Enterprises Governance Act, stronger fit-and-proper requirements and increased scrutiny of integrated strategic business plans require directors to strengthen their governance expertise and exercise greater independence.
“The governance space in Namibia is changing. We are seeing legislative changes, a more active shareholder and higher fiduciary duties placed on directors. Our responsibility is to maintain that balance and ensure we understand what the law requires of us,” he said.
Nikanor said the growing number of new appointments to public enterprise boards has broadened the governance talent pool but also increased demand for structured director training.
“We are seeing many new professionals entering the governance space through appointments to public enterprises. That is positive, but it also means we have new boards, new directors and new dynamics that require upskilling,” he said.
He added that the revised NamCode and the planned governance rankings would help organisations measure and improve governance performance against recognised best practice.
Meanwhile, governance expert Patrick Chisanga urged boards to focus on building resilient institutions rather than simply meeting compliance requirements.
Delivering the keynote address, “Governing in Africa: What the Textbook Doesn’t Tell You,” Chisanga said effective boards prioritise institutional interests over personal ambition, strengthen stakeholder trust and make decisions that create long-term organisational value.
He said governance should evolve beyond a compliance exercise into a strategic tool for building sustainable, accountable and resilient institutions.
