Windhoek: The Business and Intellectual Property Authority (Bipa) has announced the commencement of the second phase of nationwide stakeholder consultations on the draft Corporate Laws Bill aimed at modernising and consolidating Namibia's outdated business legislation.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Acting Chief Executive Officer Ainna Vilengi Kaundu stated that the consultations will begin on 10 November 2025 and will cover all 14 regions of the country before the end of the year. Kaundu explained that the new Corporate Laws Bill seeks to merge the Companies Act of 2004 and the Close Corporations Act of 1988 into a single, comprehensive piece of legislation. She noted that both existing laws are outdated and no longer responsive to the current economic and entrepreneurial realities of Namibia.

Kaundu highlighted that the proposed changes will introduce business vehicles that cater to both start-ups and large-scale enterprises, ensuring inclusivity and ease of participation in the formal economy. She emphasized that the reform is meant to simplify and modernise how business entities are regulated, rather than introducing more administrative burdens.

The Namibian business community is encouraged to actively participate in the consultations, as this is an opportunity to shape legislation that directly affects the country's economic landscape. The current draft of the Corporate Laws Bill is available for download on Bipa's website, and stakeholders are urged to submit written comments via email.

Kaundu also mentioned that Bipa will visit towns in regions including Erongo, Otjozondjupa, Oshana, Kavango West, Zambezi, Omaheke, ||Kharas, Hardap, and Khomas during the consultation period. She noted that the reform process is aimed at making Namibia a more attractive and competitive business hub for both local entrepreneurs and foreign investors.