Start-up in Namibia
In Namibia, preconditions for start-ups remain inadequate. Support structures by the government are promising but still in their very early stages. Start-ups that combine technical solutions and traditional industries, and offer innovative products and services to the market have the potential to be key growth drivers for the Namibian economy. Start-ups do not only create new jobs but bring new ideas to the table, which are much needed to stir innovation and generate competition in order to foster economic growth. The GIZ project Start-up Namibia aims at improving conditions for the establishment and growth of start-ups in selected regions. GIZ is building a Start-up Incubation and Innovation Centre in the capital city Windhoek. In addition, mobile outreach units will bring the services closer to start-ups located in the regions.
The Start-up Centre will as a business incubator and serve as a “one-stop-shop” for all needs a start-up faces in its ideation, establishment, and growth phases. Simultaneously, the centre unlocks the entrepreneurial spirit of the Namibian population through showcasing success stories, nationwide visibility and basic entrepreneurship trainings. The project also works on improving access to financial services for start-ups. Cooperation with public and private partners such as other start-up centers, universities or financial institutions expand the service offer of the Start-up Centre and supports building the Namibian start-up ecosystem.
