Windhoek: The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) has announced the departure of its founding Chief Executive Officer, Nangula Uaandja. NIPDB Executive for Investor Experience, Jessica Hauuanga, has been appointed as acting CEO.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the NIPDB board stated in a media release that Uaandja will vacate her post on 31 December 2025, having played a pivotal role in the institution's development. Uaandja's leadership has been marked by her vision, strategic planning, and effective execution of the institution's objectives, as highlighted by the board.
The board acknowledged Uaandja's role in establishing a robust foundation during a critical period for Namibia's economy. Her efforts in setting up the necessary strategies, systems, and processes were instrumental to the organisation's operations. As NIPDB's inaugural CEO, Uaandja was vital in crafting the institution's framework and elevating it as a leader in investment promotion and development.
Under Uaandja's leadership, Namibia experienced significant growth in foreign direct investment (FDI), reaching a historic N.dollars 48.2 billion in 2023, more than doubling the N.dollars 17.3 billion recorded in 2022, as reported by NIPDB. Additionally, the average FDI as a percentage of gross domestic product surged to 21 per cent in 2023, from a previous average of 7 per cent.
The board also noted improvements in international rankings, with Namibia achieving the top spot in Africa and second globally in the 2025 Greenfield Foreign Direct Investment Performance Index. Uaandja's tenure bolstered investor confidence and enhanced Namibia's stature as a dynamic investment hub.
In light of Uaandja's exit, Hauuanga, who has been Investor Experience Executive since 2021, will take on the role of acting CEO until a permanent successor is appointed. The board expressed confidence in Hauuanga's ability to lead during this transitional period and maintain investor trust, with recruitment for a new CEO set to commence early next year.