Renthia Kaimbi
Over 900 visas were issued to people who attended Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) events in Namibia.
The visas have been issued since June, generating N$1.5 million in revenue to date.
This comes as Namibia moves to position itself in the global business events market with the launch of the Namibia Convention Bureau (NCB).
Chief immigration officer Tulimeke Munyika said the issuance of MICE visas reflects growing inbound business travel.
Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Indileni Daniel on Tuesday launched the NCB and its website.
She described the move as a step aimed at diversifying the tourism economy and attracting high-value business travellers.
Daniel said the establishment of the bureau marks the start of a new era.
“This is more than the unveiling of an institution. The Bureau represents deliberate policy choices to rebuild after Covid-19, diversify our tourism offerings, and position Namibia as a competitive player,” she said.
Daniel said the sector supports national development priorities, especially job creation.
“The MICE industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors worldwide, with the power to generate employment across hospitality, logistics, transport, catering, technology, MSMEs, and professional services,” she said.
The NCB forms part of a national push in the MICE sector, which focuses on business travel linked to meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.
Daniel said private sector participation will be key to success, and he called on investors, venue owners and service providers to support the initiative.
Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) chief executive officer Nangula Uuandja said Namibia hosted 36 international conferences this year, including the African Union MSME Forum and the Global Africa Hydrogen Summit.
She said this activity has placed Namibia as the 13th top MICE destination in Africa.
Namibia Convention Bureau manager Esther Ndilula said the country does not yet have large, dedicated convention centres.
She said government backing has been central to establishing the bureau.
“The government, through the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, has provided substantial support to the initiative this year, including through the financial support of N$1.5 million for administrative purposes,” Ndilula said.
The newly launched NCB website is designed to support international event planners by providing a central platform for information and local partnerships.
MEFT deputy executive director Seimy Shidute chairs a national organising committee that guides the bureau, ensuring coordination across ministries.
