Namibia records 67% surge in business registrations in Q2 2025

Namibia recorded a sharp rise in business registrations during the second quarter of 2025, with a total of 3 598 new companies registered, representing a 67.1% increase year-on-year.

“The increase was reflected across both close corporations and private companies (Pty) Ltd, which rose by 79.4% and 8.6% year-on-year, respectively,” the Bank of Namibia says in its quarterly bulletin for September.

On a quarterly basis, the total number of new business registrations grew by 12.7%, while seasonally adjusted figures indicate a slightly lower increase of 10.7%.

According to the Bank of Namibia, the rise in registrations serves as a leading indicator of future economic activity and points to stronger business confidence in the current environment.

Historical data between 2021 and 2025 shows that close corporation registrations remained relatively low, fluctuating below 500 per quarter.

In contrast, private company registrations were significantly higher, starting at around 1 000 per quarter in 2021 and steadily increasing to more than 3 000 per quarter by 2025.

The central bank notes that private companies are increasingly driving formal economic activity, while close corporations continue to play a smaller, more niche role in business formation.

The trend highlights a broader shift towards larger and potentially more sustainable business structures in Namibia’s economy.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.