IMELDA AMBONDO
Namibia has officially launched the Namibia Convention Bureau, marking what the government describes as the start of a new era for tourism and economic development.
Manager of Namibia Convention Bureau at Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board ( NIPDB), Esther Ndilula said the convention bureau will work as a destination marketing arm focused on increasing the number of events, conferences and meetings held in the destination.”
Speaking at the media launch Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Indileni Daniel said the bureau is a deliberate move to rebuild the sector after COVID-19, diversify tourism, and position Namibia in the global meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry .
“In just two years, Namibia has hosted 36 international conferences, from the African Union to the Global Africa Hydrogen Summit. These events injected millions into our economy, supported jobs, and showcased our capability” she said.
She said that while Namibia has successfully hosted major events, the country lacked a coordinated national mechanism to attract and manage business events, a gap now filled by the Convention Bureau .
The minister said the initiative aligns with the national goal of creating 500,000 jobs, highlighting the MICE industry as a fast-growing sector with potential to generate employment across hospitality, transport, logistics, catering, technology and small businesses .
Daniel added that the government has modernised legislation, streamlined processes and introduced a MICE visa to support the sector, while calling on investors and industry players to partner in building world-class conference facilities and services.
“Today’s launch is Namibia’s bold statement: we are ready to compete globally in the business events market,” she said .
The minister officially declared the Namibia Convention Bureau website launched, describing it as a gateway for stakeholders and international partners.
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