The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Namibia Standards Institution (NSI) aimed at strengthening quality assurance and compliance among local enterprises, with a particular focus on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The partnership is geared towards helping MSMEs meet both national and international standards, seen as a critical step in unlocking export opportunities and improving the global competitiveness of Namibian products.
NIPDB Chief Executive, Nangula Uaandja, said the agreement aligns with the institution’s dual mandate of investment promotion and MSME development.
“Our work is guided by a dual mandate, to drive investment promotion and support the growth and formalisation of MSMEs. These mandates serve as a critical lever for inclusive economic development,” she said.
As part of the collaboration, the two institutions have jointly developed a testing and certification factsheet aimed at simplifying the certification process for businesses.
“This is a critical step for MSMEs looking to expand in local markets,” Uaandja added.
The NIPDB has also played a key role in NSI-led technical committees, especially in the development of the National Standardisation Plan and in contributing to the National Quality Policy (NQP) through the Technical Regulatory Framework (NTRF) subcommittee.
Under its SheExport Accelerator Programme, the NIPDB worked alongside NSI to prepare five MSMEs for certification. These businesses were supported with funding to undergo the required testing and certification processes.
“This initiative not only enhanced their credibility but also positioned them for potential entry into regional and international markets,” said Uaandja.
She further noted that the NIPDB aims to integrate standards advisory services into its broader business support model.
“We aim to ensure that MSMEs engaging with our one-stop centre are guided on the standards pathway from the outset. By aligning NIPDB’s investment facilitation and MSME development with NSI’s technical leadership, we are also creating a more cohesive and supportive environment for business growth,” she said.
The partnership is also driving public outreach campaigns to raise awareness around compliance, product certification, and packaging and labelling requirements, especially targeting MSMEs in all regions.
NSI CEO Eino Mvula described MSMEs as the “heartbeat of the economy” and underscored the need to align national development with sustainability and innovation.
“It is imperative that we focus on standards that drive progress in key areas, particularly green industrialisation. By investing in sustainable practices, we are not only addressing climate change but ensuring that our industries can play a long-term role in the global economy,” he said.
Mvula added that SMEs represent the point “where creativity meets opportunity” and reaffirmed NSI’s commitment to supporting their growth.
“As we experience the rapid changes brought by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it is crucial that we embed these advancements into our standards framework. By working together, we can make certain that Namibia is not only a participant but a leader in this transformative era,” he said.
