By Victor Ashikoto
Windhoek, May 14–Namibia is rapidly emerging as one of Africa’s top financial hubs, attracting investors and strengthening its position in regional trade. According to the latest Africa Trade Barometer (ATB), Namibia is now the continent’s second most attractive trade destination a testament to its growing economic influence.
The country’s investor-friendly policies, abundant natural resources – including uranium, diamonds, and gold – and modern infrastructure make it a prime location for business expansion.
To fuel this growth, the government, through the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), offers tax incentives, streamlined permits, and favourable customs duties, further enhancing Namibia’s appeal to global investors.
But with rapid growth comes new challenges. As digital transactions and cross-border trade expand, so do the risks of cybercrime.
The digital landscape of 2024 presented new security considerations across Namibia’s economy. Over 1.1 million cyber incidents within the retail, gaming, and financial services sectors, were experienced nationwide. Despite 1.6% of all digital transactions in the first half of the year being flagged as suspected fraud, these challenges have catalysed unprecedented collaboration and innovation within the sector.
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Victor is the Chief Operating Officer at Nedbank Namibia, a position he has held since June 2020. With over 20
years of executive experience spanning the banking, telecommunications, transport, and energy sectors, he
brings a wealth of cross-industry insight to his leadership. Victor plays a pivotal role in aligning the bank’s
strategic direction with national priorities—driving innovation, advancing technology integration, and enhancing
payment systems across the organization. He holds an MBA from the University of Stellenbosch and a BTech in
Information Technology from the Namibia University of Science and Technology, complemented by additional
qualifications in project management, leadership, and general management.
Navigating the risks.
