Windhoek: Namibia has maintained its position as the second-ranked startup ecosystem in southern Africa in the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2026.

According to Namibia Press Agency, a statement issued by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) revealed that Namibia ranked 94th globally and 10th in Africa, while also securing fourth position on the continent in the Ecosystem Attractiveness Functional Category. The report evaluates startup ecosystems worldwide based on startup activity, ecosystem quality, and business environment conditions.

Despite recording ecosystem growth of 8.2 percent, Namibia dropped nine places globally from its 85th position in 2025 due to increased competitiveness among global startup ecosystems. The statement noted that Namibia continues to rank alongside some of Africa's more established startup ecosystems, including Kenya, Egypt, and Nigeria.

According to NIPDB, the country's performance reflects growing international visibility as an emerging innovation and entrepreneurship destination. 'As part of ongoing efforts to streamline startup support services, the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, in collaboration with the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology, established ScaleUp Namibia as a national ecosystem coordination initiative,' the statement said.

Since its establishment in 2024, ScaleUp Namibia has expanded from five support organisations to 18 members aimed at improving collaboration and coordination within the startup ecosystem. The board further highlighted increasing institutional support for financial technology initiatives involving the Bank of Namibia and the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority.

'While the findings reflect encouraging progress, sustaining the momentum within Namibia's startup ecosystem will require continued public and private sector commitment,' it added. Windhoek ranked 525th globally in the city rankings, declining by 13 positions despite recording ecosystem growth of 20.3 percent.

The NIPDB said it will continue collaborating with stakeholders to strengthen Namibia's startup ecosystem and improve long-term competitiveness for local businesses.