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In a major step toward improving business accessibility and boosting regional economic growth, the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) officially opened its new satellite office in Ongwediva. The event was marked by a keynote address from Natangue Ithete, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, who described the opening as “a doorway to opportunity” for northern entrepreneurs.
The new office is expected to significantly reduce the burden on northern business owners who, until now, had to travel to Windhoek for even the most basic business registration services. With this development, essential services such as company registration, amendments, and business support will now be available at the doorstep of entrepreneurs in Ongwediva and surrounding regions.
“This is more than just the launch of a new office,” said Ithete. “It represents a commitment to decentralisation, to empowering local businesspeople, and to unlocking the potential that exists in the northern regions.”
According to BIPA data, approximately 29,000 businesses are currently registered in the northern regions, with the Oshana Region alone accounting for nearly half of that number. These figures reflect the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit in the area a spirit that the Deputy Prime Minister said government is eager to support and grow.
“We recognise that many of our people are still operating informally,” he noted. “While that reality is understood, we want to help informal traders take the next step to formalise, grow, and access new opportunities such as financing, tenders, and broader markets.”
A significant emphasis was placed on supporting women entrepreneurs, many of whom continue to operate outside of the formal economy Ithete underscored the government’s intention to make the business environment more inclusive.
“Women are the backbone of our local economy. We are committed to creating systems and support that make it easier for them to formalise their businesses and scale up,” he said.
In line with the government’s broader digital agenda Ithete also announced that BIPA is preparing to roll out a new online business registration system, which will allow entrepreneurs to register businesses from their phones or computers eliminating the need for in-person visits and long queues.
The event was attended by key regional leaders, including Oshana Governor Elia Irimari, Ongwediva Constituency Councillor Andreas Uutoni, Ongwediva Mayor Taarah Shalyefu, members of the BIPA Board, and representatives from the northern business community.
In his closing remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister commended the resilience of Namibia’s small business sector, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “You kept going, kept believing, and kept building. That kind of resilience is what builds nations,” he said.
He concluded by affirming the government’s ongoing efforts to simplify and streamline doing business in Namibia, with plans already underway to open similar BIPA offices in Rundu and Katima Mulilo.
“This new office in Ongwediva is your partner. Use it. Grow with it. Let us build a thriving economytogether,” Ithete said before officially declaring the office open.
