NIPDB and NSI Sign MoU to Foster Standardisation and Investment

NIPDB
Jul 11
3 min read

Updated: Jul 16

The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the Namibian Standards Institution (NSI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently, marking a significant step in their collaboration. This partnership aims to enhance sustainable investment, economic growth, and the development of emerging industries in Namibia through cooperation in standardization and conformity assessment services.

The MoU outlines a commitment to promoting cooperation in areas such as providing training to emerging industries on applicable standards and technical regulations, mitigating Technical Barriers to Trade (TBTs), and fostering active participation of emerging industries in national quality framework and investment promotion initiatives. In accordance with their respective mandates, NIPDB and NSI will collaborate on initiatives to promote the active participation of emerging industries to national quality framework and national investment promotion and development initiatives; to support MSMEs and businesses in conducting basic testing using NSI testing labs; and to jointly develop standards and regulations tailored to specific sectors. They will also collaborate on creating information resources (information sheets, booklets) that equip MSMEs for Market Access and Export promotion.

The collaborative work of the NSI and NIPDB is crucial for achieving the objectives outlined in our national development plans and in the Swapo Manifesto Implementation Plan, particularly in fostering economic growth. While the NSI ensures that products, processes, and services meet national and international quality and safety standards - a critical factor for market access and competitiveness - the NIPDB is tasked with attracting and facilitating both domestic and foreign investment into Namibia's key economic sectors and coordinating MSME development. Their joint efforts would see the NIPDB leveraging the NSI's quality assurance framework to highlight Namibia's commitment to high standards, thereby enhancing the profile of Namibian products for access to local and global markets, and making the country a more attractive destination for investment. This synergy ensures that domestic and foreign investments attracted by NIPDB not only create jobs and stimulate the economy but also contribute to the development of industries that produce quality goods and services, aligning with the national economic development vision for a prosperous and industrialised Namibia.

The CEO and Chairperson of NIPDB, Dr. Nangula Uaandja, stated, “For Namibia’s MSMEs to thrive from incubation to export, they need more than ambition; they need a system that supports quality, standards and global competitiveness. This partnership with NSI isn’t just strategic, it’s essential. By aligning our efforts, we’re creating an ecosystem where local businesses can grow with confidence and take advantage of opportunities like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and beyond. By integrating standardisation into our investment promotion and business development efforts, we empower emerging industries and MSMEs to not only access new markets but also to thrive competitively, ultimately driving sustainable economic growth and job creation.”

Dr. Eino Mvula, Chief Executive Officer of NSI, emphasized the importance of this collaboration for quality assurance and economic diversification. He stated, “Our collaboration with NIPDB is crucial for embedding a culture of quality and technical excellence across all sectors. By providing essential standardization and conformity assessment services, we are equipping Namibian businesses, particularly emerging industries, with the tools they need to meet international benchmarks, mitigate trade barriers, and confidently participate in both local and global value chains.”

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Contact Persons:

Catherine Shipushu

Senior Manager: Marketing, Branding and Communications

Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board

Telephone: +264 83 333 8636

Mobile: +264 81 127 9069

Email: catherine.shipushu@nipdb.com

Mr. Heinrich Amadhila

Acting General Manager: Corporate Communication, Marketing and Human Resources

Namibian Standards Institution

Telephone: +264 386 440