Namibia has hosted 22 international conferences in 2025, generating more than N$23 million, as the new Namibia Convention Bureau aims to boost the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector and economic growth.
The biggest among the conferences were the Global African Hydrogen Summit, the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference, and the Africa Infrastructure Finance Summit, which were attended by more than 2 000 delegates.
The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) announced the official launch of the convention bureau on Tuesday, which will act as a central coordinating body aiming to promote the country as a globally competitive destination for MICE.
NIPDB spokesperson Catherine Shipushu says the convention bureau will coordinate national bidding for international conferences, support event logistics, and administer the MICE visa programme.
“The initiative aligns with the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan (2022-2024), the National Spatial Tourism Master Plan (2025-2035), and the government’s overall objective to create 500 000 jobs across various sectors of the economy,” Shipushu says.
Since June this year, the convention bureau has facilitated 1 186 MICE visa applications, with 978 visas issued, generating close to N$1.5 million in revenue.
“In 2025 alone, Namibia hosted 22 MICE events, creating employment opportunities while stimulating economic activity in the country,” Shipushu says.
Speaking at the launch, NIPDB chief executive Nangula Uaandja said the convention bureau is one step in diversifying Namibia’s economy, which is heavily reliant on the mining sector.
She said when the conferences are hosted, attendees explore business opportunities and spend money on other local services like taxis, therefore, investing in the economy.
“The MICE sector is not just about events; it is about unlocking new pathways for investment, trade, and tourism,” Uaandja said.
Minister of environment and tourism Indileni Daniel says the convetion bureau will allow the country to compete in the global business events market.
She says international case studies such as Rwanda and South Africa have shown how the sector can contribute to greater economic growth when investments are made.
“The government has shown its commitment by modernising legislation, streamlining processes, and even introducing the MICE visa to ease delegate entry,” she says, “But success depends on partnership. We invite investors, venue owners, hotel developers, service providers, and entrepreneurs to join us in building a world-class Namibian MICE experience.”
She adds that the country needs state-of-the-art conference centres, expanded accommodation capacity, modern technology infrastructure, creative sector services, and professional event organisers.
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