1. What is the Investment Promotion Unit?
The Investment Promotion Unit (IPU) is the City of Windhoek’s dedicated office for investors, supporting both local and international businesses from first contact with the City of Windhoek. Situated within the Economic Development Division of the Economic Development and Community Services Department, the IPU ensures that Windhoek is an attractive, accessible, and business-friendly city for investment.
2. What does the Investment Promotion Unit do for investors?
The IPU provides a hands-on and personalised service that helps investors navigate the municipal environment. It offers consultations, facilitates communication with City departments and national agencies, coordinates site visits, assists with land inquiries, and provides aftercare support to ensure ongoing business success. By working closely with investors, the IPU removes operational barriers and fast-tracks municipal processes activities in line with the City’s development goals.
3. How does the IPU contribute to Windhoek’s development?
The IPU aligns its work with the Windhoek Economic Development Strategy 2022–2027, which guides the city’s transformation into a more inclusive, sustainable, and economically resilient urban centre. The Windhoek Economic Development Strategy focuses on priority sectors such as agriculture and agro-processing, MSME development, tourism and culture, transport and logistics, and social (housing and health) development. By facilitating investment and stakeholder engagement in these sectors, the IPU helps create jobs, upgrade urban services, and foster long-term economic growth.
4. Why should I invest in Windhoek?
Namibia offers a stable and attractive investment climate, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimated at N$157.5 billion in 2024 (Bank of Namibia). The country is recognised as one of Africa’s top destinations for tourism and investment, ranked 4th in Africa by the World Economic Forum Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report (2015) and listed among the five most scenically magnificent countries in the world by Traveller News 24 (2015). Namibia ranks number one (1) in Africa and 2nd overall in the 2025 reading of Greenfield FDI Performance Index, (FDI Intelligence, 2025). Namibia is also ranked as the 4th safest African country to visit, according to the Global Safety Report (2024). The 2024 Economic Governance Index, ranked Namibia 2nd in Africa, the 2023 Global Innovation Index, placed Namibia 9th among Africa’s most innovative nations. With a population growth rate of 3.5% (World Population Review, 2025), the nation offers a growing consumer base and expanding urban markets. Namibia’s main exports include minerals, fish and fish products, live animals, and meat and meat products, underscoring the country’s strong resource base and opportunities in value addition and agro-processing industries.
5. What are the priority investment sectors in Windhoek?
Windhoek offers opportunities across multiple sectors that align with the city’s development goals. Key areas for investment include urban development and real estate, renewable energy and the green economy, tourism and cultural industries, logistics and trade, information and communication technology, as well as agro-processing and light manufacturing. The city welcomes investors with innovative solutions that contribute to job creation, sustainable growth, and the overall enhancement of urban life.
6. What support can investors expect from the City of Windhoek?
Investors can expect dedicated support from the City through the IPU. The Unit provides guidance on investment procedures, helps investors navigate municipal services, assists with leasing processes, and facilitates connections with relevant national agencies such as the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the Windhoek Branch of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WBNCCI). Additionally, the IPU offers aftercare services to ensure that established businesses can continue to grow and succeed in Windhoek.
7. Are there incentives available for investment in Windhoek?
While most financial and fiscal incentives are administered at the national level, the City of Windhoek complements these by providing access to serviced land for priority projects, fast-tracking approvals for strategic investments, and exploring public-private partnerships for key urban development initiatives. Investors involved in renewable energy or sustainable city projects may also receive additional support aligned with Windhoek’s Green City Initiatives.
8. What permits or licenses do I need to operate in Windhoek?
All businesses operating in Windhoek must register with the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) at the national level. Thereafter, when they secure trading or operational facilities, they must apply for Fitness Certificates from the City of Windhoek. Depending on the nature of the business, additional sector-specific permits may be required, such as building plan approvals, or electricity connection. The IPU assists investors in understanding and navigating these requirements efficiently.
9. What should foreign investors know before investing in Windhoek?
Foreign investors follow the same registration and licensing procedures as local investors. They may additionally require visas or work permits for foreign staff and must comply with foreign exchange regulations through the Bank of Namibia. The Investment Promotion Unit works closely with national agencies to streamline these processes and ensure that foreign investors are supported throughout their investment journey.
10. What infrastructure and services support investment in Windhoek?
Windhoek provides reliable road networks, international air connectivity through Hosea Kutako International Airport, stable electricity and water supplies, and a rapidly expanding ICT infrastructure. As one of the best-connected cities in Sub-Saharan Africa, Windhoek benefits from a robust digital backbone managed by Telecom Namibia Ltd, offering 98% coverage across towns and major roads. The city enjoys widespread 5G and fibre-optic internet, with 4G LTE extending to nearly all urban and rural areas. High mobile and internet penetration support thriving e-commerce, fintech, and digital service sectors, while strong international fibre and satellite links ensure seamless global connectivity. Windhoek also hosts modern co-working spaces, ICT start-ups, and innovation hubs that drive Namibia’s growing digital economy.
11. What is the workforce like in Windhoek?
Windhoek has a young, urbanised, and increasingly skilled workforce. The city is home to Namibia’s main universities, technical colleges, and vocational centres, producing talent in fields such as engineering, ICT, finance, and hospitality. Labour regulations ensure fair practices while providing flexibility for business operations.
12. How does Windhoek support sustainable and green investments?
Windhoek is committed to urban sustainability, with initiatives in water recycling, renewable energy, and eco-friendly urban development. Investors whose projects align with the city’s Green City Strategy can benefit from dedicated support, enabling them to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient urban environment.
13. How can I get assistance once I am established in Windhoek?
The Investment Promotion Unit provides ongoing aftercare services to help businesses expand, resolve operational challenges, and connect with local networks. The City of Windhoek values long-term partnerships and is committed to helping investors grow and succeed.
14. Who do I contact for investment enquiries?
Investors can contact the City of Windhoek Investment Promotion Unit via email at invest@windhoekcc.org.na or by phone at either our call centre on +264 61 290 3777 or the IPU directly on the following numbers: +264 61 290 2577/2196/2029. The Unit welcomes all investors seeking opportunities, guidance, and support to participate in Windhoek’s growth.
