Deputy Prime Minister Natangue Ithete has urged Namibians to register their businesses in order to benefit from various government initiatives.
Ithete made the call during the official opening of the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) office in Ongwediva.
He revealed that around 29,000 businesses are registered in Namibia’s northern regions, which accounts for only 14 percent of all businesses in the country.
Of these, 14,000 are based in the Oshana Region.
The Deputy Prime Minister also encouraged more women to register their businesses, noting that most current business owners are men.
"We know that many more of you are still working informally, especially women, and that’s okay in my view. We understand the reality on the ground. But we also want to help you. Taking the next step—registering your business—opens the door to new possibilities: access to loans, contracts, government tenders, and greater credibility with your customers," he said.
Ithete stressed the importance of resilience among entrepreneurs, saying their success directly impacts the well-being of their families and employees.
He further assured business owners that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment through fair and protective laws.
"Ask questions, get registered, grow your business, and let’s grow our country. There is no one that will come and assist us in growing our country. The love we have for our friends from other countries is okay—but they are not here to grow our country. We must grow it ourselves. The assistance they provide—let’s take it and use it to grow and love our country. As your line minister, I promise that we will make doing business in Namibia simpler, faster, and fair. Let us build an economy that works for everyone," he added.
BIPA Board Chairperson Immanuel !Hanabeb said the new office will help make services more accessible to communities in the north.
“This office will serve as a hub of opportunity, where local businesses are empowered to formalize and grow with the full support of BIPA services. That vision is slowly turning into a reality,” he said.