New NIDA board tasked with turnaround

Revive
Amutse challenges NIDA board to restore operations
Augetto Graig
  • 1 Hour Ago

The Namibia Industrial Development Agency's (NIDA) business incubation facilities across the country are between 90% and 99% non-functional, with the newly appointed board tasked with reviving the troubled institution and restoring its industrial parks.

Industrialisation minister Modestus Amutse has challenged the incoming board to move swiftly to address the agency's operational challenges, establish a clear picture of its financial position and revive abandoned industrial facilities.


“I was waiting on the new board. I want to see those industrial parks revived and functional. Make it happen,” Amutse told board members at the auditorium of the ministry's head office in Windhoek on Wednesday.

He described the responsibility facing the new board as significant, saying the country would be looking to it to turn around the agency's fortunes.

“My friends, NIDA needs you to start working immediately. The country will now look to you to revive NIDA,” he said.

“NIDA needs a board that is decisive. Plan, identify gaps in operations.”


Amutse said the board should establish a reliable picture of NIDA's assets, finances, commitments and risks as part of efforts to restore the institution's operations.

Newly appointed NIDA chairperson Thaddius Maswahu said the board would make the minister's directives its top priority, starting with addressing abandoned industrial parks across the country.


Tulimeyo Kaapanda, Mennesia Vilho, Mpasi Haingura, Aunie Gideon and Johny Smith are the other NIDA board members.

The appointments form part of a wider ministerial announcement of new boards for four state institutions: NIDA, the Namibia Competition Commission (NaCC), the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) and the Namibia Estate Agents Board (NEAB).

Addressing the newly appointed and reappointed board members, Amutse called for stronger accountability and more effective oversight of the institutions.

“Utilise the knowledge you have to grow the sector that you represent,” he said.


The minister expressed concern that some boards were failing to meet regularly and fulfil their responsibilities.

“Some boards don't sit as required, don't meet quorum and decisions are ever-pending,” he said.

“Board members must understand the law and the mandate of your institutions. The board sets the direction and holds management accountable for the results. Lack of accountability is a key failure. Time frames are lacking and, if they are not clear, directives are also not clear,” Amutse said.


Regarding BIPA, he said there was a need to get the one-stop centre up and running.

“People need clear answers and final decisions to do business,” he stressed.

BIPA is expected to implement online registrations by February 2027.

“Make sure it works,” the minister emphasised.

“I expect the BIPA board to make services affordable, accessible and easier to use,” he said.


Addressing the new NaCC board members, Amutse said the commission was responsible for protecting fair competition and ensuring that decisions were fair.

“The board must protect the commission's independence, due process and fairness. This calls for careful judgement,” he said.

“When market power could harm consumers, the public interest must be protected,” he stressed.

Amutse told the incoming NEAB board that people needed confidence that property practitioners were qualified, accountable and operating under clear rules.

He urged the board to prepare for the imminent enforcement of the new act, which was passed in 2024.

“NEAB must be ready for that transition,” he said.


NaCC is now chaired by Marvel Tjombonde, with Onni-Ndangi Iithete, Ntwala Mwilima, Stephanus van Zijl and Siegfried Neumann serving as board members.

The NEAB is now chaired by Keuuavali Nashua, with Abel Sindano, Fabian David Tait and Josephina Nekongo serving as fellow directors.

Immanuel !Hanabeb retains his position as BIPA board chairperson, alongside directors Celesta Kandanga-Nangolo, Robert Eiman, Bridget Dundee, Hilka Alberto and Josephine Shigwedha.


Speaking on behalf of the BIPA board, !Hanabeb assured the minister that they understood the responsibility that came with their appointments.

“We do not take this honour lightly. We understand that to be appointed is not to be rewarded, it is to be entrusted,” he said.