BUSINESS AND PUBLIC SERVICE SECTORS
SERVICES PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN ALL MODERN ECONOMIES. INDEED, IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT FOR ANY ECONOMIC ACTIVITY TO TAKE PLACE WITHOUT SERVICES.
AN EFFICIENT SERVICES SECTOR IS CRITICAL TO TRADE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH. ENCOURAGING GREATER TRADE IN SERVICES THROUGH OPEN MARKETS AND NON-DISCRIMINATORY TREATMENT CAN LEAD TO HIGHER EMPLOYMENT LEVELS, HIGHER INCOMES AND HIGHER STANDARDS OF LIVING.
The mission of the Division for the Registration of Companies and Close Corporation in the Ministry of Trade and Industry is to manage, regulate and facilitate the formation of business entities and to encourage investment through an appropriate legal framework and a conducive environment that ensures the flourishing of businesses. In modern-day Namibia, business and public services – such as accounting services, legal services, financial services and health services – are well established and their importance to the country’s development cannot be underestimated.
INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS:
Foreign investors generally conduct business through a Namibian company or as a branch of their home corporation.
Company formation is simple and inexpensive. Shell companies are available from accounting and legal firms.
Close corporations are simpler to administer and are not subject to statutory audit obligations.
Legal, tax and accounting advisers should be hired in the early planning stages of establishing a business entity.
The choice of entity is of extreme importance when setting up a business. In Namibia an entrepreneur can choose from a variety of business forms.
Business registration
Business may be conducted in a variety of forms:
- Public company or private company
- Branch of a foreign company
- Close corporation
- Partnership, including joint venture
- Sole proprietor
- Business trust
Prior to commencing business it is necessary to obtain the appropriate registration certificate from the local municipal health department. Certain businesses, such as banks, insurers and pharmaceutical companies, may require additional special licences.
It is also necessary to register with:
- The Workmen’s Compensation Commissioner with regard to the government-operated workmen’s compensation insurance scheme
- The appropriate industrial council governing the trade or industry in which the business proposes to operate
- The Department of Inland Revenue with regard to value added tax and employment matters
- The Receiver of Revenue
- The Department of Social Security
For more information visit www.pwc.com and download the Business and Investment Guide for Namibia 2016, published by PWC Namibia.
VITAL CONTACTS
BIPA, the Business and Intellectual Property Authority
+264 61 299 4400
andima@bipa.na
www.bipa.na
LEGAL ASSISTANCE CENTRE
+264 61 223 356
info@lac.org.na
www.lac.org.na
The LAC’s main objective is to protect the human rights of all Namibians. It is funded primarily by national and international donor organisations. Its work is supervised by the Legal Assistance Trust, whose trustees include legal practitioners, other professionals and community leaders. It works in five broad areas: litigation, information and advice, education and training, research, law reform and advocacy.
The Law Society of Namibia (LSN)
+264 61 230 263 / 088
www.lawsocietynamibia.org
The Law Society of Namibia is a self-regulating body created in terms of the Legal Practitioners Act (1995) which serves the profession and the public by promoting justice, protecting the independence of the judiciary and upholding the rule of law.
Namibia Competition Commission (NACC)
+ 264 61 224 622 Chief Executive Officer
mihe.gaomab@nacc.com.na
www.nacc.com.na
Namibia Development Corporation (NDC)
+264 61 206 2294
www.ndc.org.na
The NDC was established under the Namibia Development Corporation Act, Act 18 of 1993, and is 100% state-owned. NDC’s mission is to promote, develop and support economic growth and development in Namibia.
Namibia Estate Agents Board
+264 61 249 885
neab@iway.na
Namibia Trade Forum
+264 61 235 327 Chief Executive Officer
www.ntf.org.na
Namibia Standards Institution (NSI)
+264 61 386 400 Chief Executive Officer
info@nsi.com.na
Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI)
+264 61 228 809
www.ncci.org.na
With 2500 members, the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the leading business representative and support organisation in Namibia. Membership comprises prominent large companies as well as hundreds of SMEs across all economic sectors.
Offshore Development Company (ODC)
+264 61 283 7360
Chief Executive Officer
odc@odc.com.na
Office of the Ombudsman
+264 61 207 3111
www.ombudsman.org.na
The Office of the Ombudsman of Namibia promotes and protects human rights and fair and effective administration, combats misappropriation or misuse of public resources and protects the environment and natural resources of Namibia through independent and impartial investigation and resolution of complaints and through raising public awareness.
Public Service Commission of Namibia (PSC)
+264 61 287 9111
www.psc.gov.na
The purpose of the PSC is to ensure adherence to Government policies, directives, regulations and ethical standards, as well as fairness and transparency within the Public Service. It is furthermore aimed at providing objective, sound and professional advice to the government on the whole spectrum of human resources administration, in order to add value to the service and support the direction of the government.
The key responsibilities of the Public Service Commission are:
- Dealing with grievances and disciplinary matters of public servants
- Exercise the powers, functions and duties delegated by the President in respect of the employment
- Remuneration and other general conditions of service of persons in the employment of councils, boards, institutions or other bodies
Society of Advocates of Namibia
+264 61 231 151
socadv@mweb.com.na
www.namibianbar.org
Walvis Bay Export Processing Zone Management Company (Pty) Limited
+264 64 205 095
wbepzmc@iway.na
www.wbepzmc.iway.na