The government has appointed new boards of directors for the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) and the Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC), with a mandate to improve business registration services, strengthen regulatory efficiency and promote fair competition.
Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse officially commissioned the two boards in Windhoek on Wednesday, directing them to improve service delivery and address regulatory challenges affecting businesses.
The new BIPA Board is chaired by Immanuel !Hanabeb, with Celesta Kandanga-Nangolo serving as Deputy Chairperson. Other members are Robert Eiman, Bridget Dundee, Hilka Alberto and Josephine Shigwedha.
The newly appointed NaCC Board comprises Marvel Tjombonde, Onni-Ndangi Iithete, Ntwala Mwilima, Stephanus van Zijl and Siegfried Neumann.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Amutse directed the BIPA Board to prioritise the digitalisation of business registration services, reduce processing delays and improve access to registration services for entrepreneurs.
“I expect the BIPA Board to make registration services accessible, reliable and easier to use. Digital services should reduce unnecessary travel and waiting, while accurate business and beneficial ownership records protect confidence in the register,” Amutse said.
He also called for transparent registration procedures, clear processing timelines and improved support services to reduce administrative barriers for businesses.
Turning to NaCC, Amutse directed the new board to safeguard the Commission’s independence and strengthen the enforcement of competition laws.
He said the Commission must ensure that small businesses have fair access to goods and markets, while protecting consumers against anti-competitive practices.
The Minister also referred to an ongoing investigation into allegations raised by small retailers concerning access to stock and trading terms, stressing that the investigation must proceed without interference or prejudgement.
“The Board must protect the Commission’s independence, due process and ability to examine evidence fairly,” he said.
Amutse further highlighted the Commission’s decision to increase merger notification thresholds in August 2026, saying the changes were intended to reduce regulatory burdens on smaller transactions.
He said the revised thresholds would allow the Commission to focus on mergers with potentially significant competition implications while maintaining oversight of market concentration.
Meanwhile, Amutse instructed both boards to review their institutions’ strategies, financial positions, operational risks and performance, and establish measurable priorities to improve accountability.
He also called for stronger corporate governance, including the management of conflicts of interest, protection of confidential information and a clear separation between board oversight and management responsibilities.
“Board Members must manage conflicts of interest openly, protect confidential information and prepare properly for meetings. Debate should be frank and decisions should follow proper discussion. The Chairperson has a particular responsibility to lead the Board fairly and keep its attention on the institution’s mandate,” Amutse said.
