NIPDB, NSI ink deal to back MSMEs
Allexer Namundjembo
The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the Namibian Standards Institution (NSI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen the country’s standards ecosystem.
The agreement aims to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), boost investment, and improve the competitiveness of Namibian products.
The signing took place this week at the Investment House in Windhoek.
NIPDB chief executive officer Nangula Uaandja said the agreement shows a shared commitment to building a standards-driven economic environment.
“Today’s signing is not just a procedural milestone; it represents our shared commitment to enabling a competitive and standards-driven economic environment that empowers our businesses, attracts investment, and builds confidence in Namibia’s economic offering,” she said.
Uaandja highlighted the importance of standards compliance for MSMEs aiming to access formal markets or regional value chains.
“Whether an MSME is looking to expand or a foreign investor is assessing the bankability of Namibian industries, a credible standards infrastructure is non-negotiable,” she said.
She noted that NIPDB and NSI have already worked together in several areas.
These include the NIPDB’s involvement in NSI technical committees, joint work on the National Standardisation Plan and the National Quality Policy, and the development of a Testing and Certification Factsheet to help MSMEs understand certification requirements.
The two institutions also collaborate through the Fatty Oils Productivity Task Force, which addresses certification issues in the oils and cosmetics sector.
Through the SheExports Accelerator Programme, five MSMEs received support to undergo product testing and certification for market entry.
NSI chief executive officer Eino Mvula said the agreement builds on an existing working relationship.
“This MoU does not mark the beginning of our engagement. It strengthens what has already been an active working relationship,” he said.
Mvula said the partnership will help improve access to standards-related information and prepare local businesses to meet regulatory and export demands.
“The need for collaboration between investment promotion and our national quality infrastructure is essential. This partnership creates a vital interface that allows us to work hand in hand to pave the way for sustainable economic development, benefiting everyone in society” Mvula said.
Mvula also added that 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. 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.
NSI develops and enforces national standards and provides testing, inspection, and certification services. These services help ensure product quality and alignment with international trade rules.
The two institutions plan to continue working together to share compliance information with MSMEs, contribute to technical committees in sectors like agrifood and green hydrogen, and support businesses in meeting African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) standards.
They also plan to integrate standards advisory into NIPDB’s business support services so that MSMEs visiting the one-stop centre receive early guidance on certification and packaging.
Both organisations said the agreement is part of a broader effort to create a supportive business environment where all enterprises can meet national and international standards.
