ScaleUp Namibia Office Opens to Strengthen Startup Ecosystem

ScaleUp Namibia Office Opens to Strengthen Startup Ecosystem. ScaleUp Namibia (SUN) has officially opened its new office at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) in Windhoek, marking a significant step toward building a more coordinated and supportive startup ecosystem in the country.

The launch event brought together key stakeholders including Hon. Dino Ballotti, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, alongside representatives from innovation hubs, private sector partners, academia, and the media.

Speaking at the opening, Hon. Ballotti described SUN as “a tangible step in our long-term vision to strengthen support for high growth ventures.” He emphasized the importance of collaboration in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, noting that SUN provides a national platform to connect innovation hubs, incubators, accelerators, universities, private sector partners, investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

The SUN Office will serve as a central point for coordination, planning, and engagement. Its role includes supporting programme delivery, facilitating information sharing, and enabling collective problem-solving. Guided by five focus areas — funding, infrastructure, ecosystem data, capacity development, and visibility — SUN aims to create clearer pathways from ideas to market-ready ventures

By aligning efforts across multiple stakeholders, SUN seeks to strengthen Namibia’s positioning as a credible destination for innovation, investment, and startup growth. The initiative also reflects the collaborative work of the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), who jointly support the programme.

The opening of the SUN Office represents a practical step in strengthening Namibia’s entrepreneurial landscape, ensuring that startups have access to the resources, networks, and visibility needed to thrive in a competitive global economy.