The Business and Intellectual Property Authority has appointed Ainna Kaundu as the new Chief Executive officer, effective from 01 January 2026.
 
In a statement, the board of directors announced the five-year term.
 
Before her appointment, Kaundu previously served as the Executive of Intellectual Property Services, where she played a key role in the development of Namibia's national intellectual property agenda.
 
Her work included the Industrial Property Act, the Business and Intellectual Property Authority Act, the draft Copyright Bill, and the Consumer Protection Policy.
 
Kaundu also held international positions as the Chairperson of the WIPO Conference and Vice-Chairperson of the ARIPO Administrative Council.
 
She further held management and leadership positions for 18 years and served as the director on several boards, both in the private and public sectors.
 
Kaundau holds a Master of Laws in International Trade and Investment Law from the University of Pretoria and an LLB from the University of Namibia and is an admitted legal practitioner.
 
The Chairperson of the Board Immanuel !Hanabeb says that Kaundu demonstrated exceptional judgement, professionalism, and resilience during her tenure as Acting Chief Executive Officer.
 
He adds that Kaundu guided the Authority through a period of transition, ensuring operational stability and cultural transformation, and expressed confidence that BIPA will be anchored as the leading authority driving sustainable economic transformation for shared prosperity.