Staff Writer
Namibia has maintained its position as the second-ranked startup ecosystem in Southern Africa after South Africa, according to the 2026 StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index (GSEI).
The country ranked 94th globally and 10th in Africa in the latest index. Namibia also placed fourth in Africa in the Ecosystem Attractiveness category, which measures how attractive countries are as startup and innovation destinations.
The StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index evaluates startup ecosystems worldwide using indicators linked to startup activity, ecosystem quality and business conditions.
Despite recording ecosystem growth of 8.2%, Namibia dropped nine places globally from the 85th position in 2025. The report linked the decline to faster growth in competing startup ecosystems and increasing global competition.
Windhoek ranked 525th globally, falling 13 places despite recording ecosystem growth of 20.3%.
StartupBlink noted that Namibia continues to perform alongside larger African startup ecosystems such as Kenya, Egypt and Nigeria despite its smaller market size.
The report highlighted Namibia’s business environment, entrepreneurship support systems, stronger ecosystem coordination and increasing international visibility as positive factors supporting startup growth.
The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), together with the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST), established ScaleUp Namibia as a national startup ecosystem coordination initiative.
ScaleUp Namibia started in 2024 with five support organisations and has since expanded to 18 members. The initiative focuses on improving coordination and collaboration across startup support services.
The report also pointed to growing support for financial technology initiatives led by institutions such as the Bank of Namibia and the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority.
According to the report, these initiatives are helping diversify Namibia’s startup ecosystem and support entrepreneurial activity.
The NIPDB said continued growth of Namibia’s startup ecosystem will require stronger public and private sector support through funding, mentorship, partnerships and improved market access opportunities.
The board said it will continue working with stakeholders to strengthen Namibia’s startup ecosystem and support long-term business growth.
