NIDA strengthens strategic business plan with stakeholders
The Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA) hosted a stakeholder engagement breakfast in Windhoek last week, bringing together key players from Namibian and South African financial institutions.The event served to present NIDA’s new Sustainable Business Model, Integrated Strategic Business Plan (ISBP) 2025/26–2029/30, and unveil new investment opportunities for partnerships.
NIDA plays a vital role in Namibia’s economic transformation by facilitating investment, supporting agribusiness, and driving industrial development. The ISBP marks a pivotal step, offering a roadmap to strengthen institutional capacity, boost operational efficiency, and contribute towards achieving Vision 2030.
Chairperson Sebulon Kankodi noted that since NIDA’s establishment in 2018 from the merger of the Namibia Development Corporation and the Offshore Development Company, it had not yet fully assumed its leading industrial development role. He emphasised that strategic partnerships, especially with financial institutions, are crucial to reposition NIDA and advance Namibia’s industrial agenda.
NIDA CEO Richwel Lukonga outlined strategic investment opportunities, including prime industrial land developments in Walvis Bay, Windhoek and Okahandja, the establishment of Special Economic Zones to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and regional industrial zones in Angola, the DRC, and Congo-Brazzaville. Lukonga stressed the importance of technical partnerships, joint ventures, co-financing, and investor collaboration to unlock these opportunities.
Julius Nghikevali presented the ISBP and financial outlook, noting a 20% rise in total income to N$165 million in 2024. Excluding government grants, income grew modestly from N$137 million in 2020 to N$139 million. NIDA’s revalued investment assets now exceed N$3 billion, enhancing its capital-raising ability and facilitating strategic ventures.
Nghikevali proposed three strategic growth options, including transitioning into a stand-alone subsidiary, direct fundraising by business units, or joint ventures with technical partners.