The Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) has stated that ScaleUp Namibia represents a beacon of hope for innovative entrepreneurs.
During the launch event, Dino Ballotti remarked that this initiative unites over 18 innovation hubs into a single, coordinated national platform aimed at addressing the historically fragmented support systems.
Ballotti said ScaleUp Namibia brings together more than 18 innovation hubs under one coordinated national platform, addressing long-standing gaps in business support.
Ballotti noted that Namibia's innovation landscape is improving, highlighting the country's rise to 85th position globally in the startup's rankings, as well as Windhoek's recognition as the fourth-ranked startup city in Southern Africa.
"Now aligned with our national priorities, including the revised National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy and the Startups and Entrepreneurship Development Policy, as well as our sixth National Development Plan. These national plans are words, and SUN is now the action."
Acting NIPDB Chief Executive Officer Jessica Hauuanga said competitiveness today is not just about policies on paper but about how easily businesses can access support and how clearly investors can identify opportunities.
She added that the new office will make the innovation ecosystem easier to navigate, reduce barriers for entrepreneurs and strengthen Namibia's investment pipeline.
"You'll be surprised how small businesses can create more jobs than the large businesses. This made it great for our youth. If young Namibians are to build their future here at home, they need to see that starting a business is possible, supported, and worth the effort."
Meanwhile, Executive Director of Emerald Platforms, Dr Nangula Uaandja, highlighted Namibia's rise in global start-up rankings and called for continued collaboration to move from building start-ups to scaling enterprises.
"So we have to acknowledge that there are some challenges that need to be addressed. And all of us need to take up arms to address those challenges. Because until we have got commitment, collaboration, and dedicated resources to make this subject matter our collective passion and mission, we will not move anyway."
ScaleUp Namibia is expected to strengthen entrepreneurship, attract investment and support job creation as the country works to diversify its economy.