The Startup Ecosystem of Windhoek

Home to 97% of Namibia’s startups, Windhoek has a vibrant startup ecosystem that is ranked 651 in the world.

CITY RANKING

In 2023, the startup scene of Windhoek shows much promise after advancing in the Global Ecosystem Index by 49 spots.

National Ranking

1st
0
In Namibia

Regional Ranking

4th
+
1
In Southern Africa

Global Ranking

651st
+
49
Worldwide

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Windhoek Ecosystem Partner logo

Ecosystem

Startup Ecosystem Overview

brown and beige concrete building under blue sky during daytime


Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia, is emerging as a vibrant hub for startups and innovation. With a focus on education, infrastructure, events, and public sector incentives, the Windhoek startup ecosystem is rapidly growing.


Initiatives like the Namibian German Incubator and the Namibia Business Innovation Institute provide training, mentoring, and support to aspiring entrepreneurs. The city’s well-developed infrastructure, including a robust road network, facilitates connectivity and accessibility.


Events like the Techstars Startup Weekend Windhoek bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts to foster collaboration and idea exchange. The public sector plays a vital role in supporting startups through initiatives like StartUp Namibia, which aims to create job opportunities and build a vibrant ecosystem across the country.


The German development agency, GIZ, supports the Namibian government in enhancing the startup ecosystem, while the National Youth Council (NYC) provides funding for startups. The Namibia Investment Center assists foreign investors, contributing to the growth of the ecosystem.


The StartUp Namibia Basecamp serves as a startup incubator and co-working space, nurturing innovative ideas and fostering collaboration among entrepreneurs.

Startups

Windhoek Top Startup Industries

Ecommerce & Retail icon
Ecommerce & Retail
#247 worldwide

5 startups

Hardware & IoT icon
Hardware & IoT
#293 worldwide

4 startups

Social & Leisure icon
Social & Leisure
#329 worldwide

4 startups

Ecosystem HealthCheck

Windhoek Ecosystem Health Check

The health check tables allow you to look at the performance Windhoek has in each of the parameters that are part of StartupBlink's ranking algorithm. There are five tables, corresponding to the three subscores, the subscore analysis and industry ana...

  • Overperformance
  • Performance equal to global ranking
  • Underperformance
ParameterParameter Global rankParameter rank change since 2022ResultContribution to total scoreRank gain / loss due to parameter
Total Score651490.307100%0
Quantity Score526-710.0826%-37
Sample size of startups470-1842913.21%142
Sample size of accelerators330-22145.47%21
Sample size of coworking spaces678-2337.33%-6
Community Score633-1139-30600%-37

ECOSYSTEM

Browse the startup ecosystem database of Windhoek

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Ecosystem

The Startup Ecosystem in Windhoek

Startups in Windhoek excel in Ecommerce & Retail, Hardware & IoT, and Social & and Leisure. There are some notable success stories contributing to the city’s growing Ecommerce & Retail industry. One of the most promising startups in Windhoek in 2023 is Find My School, JABU, and undefined.

Global Rank

Windhoek is ranked within the top 1000 startup ecosystems globally.

Top Industries

Windhoek’s startups excel particularly in Ecommerce & Retail where it ranks 247 and in Hardware & IoT, and Social & Leisure. Find out more

Top Cities for Startups in Namibia - Ranked by StartupBlink
StartupBlink ranks the startup ecosystems of 100 countries and 1,000 cities. Download our latest Global Startup Ecosystem Report.
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2023 National Rank & Change ▲
2023 National Rank & Change City
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Global Rank & ChangeTotal Score
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Quantity Score
Quality ScoreBusiness Score
1st
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651st
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49
0.307
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Startups

Notable Startups in Windhoek
Find My School startup icon
Find My School
JABU startup icon
JABU

Startups

Successful Ecommerce & Retail startups in Windhoek
JABU startup icon
JABU

ECOSYSTEM

Why should you join Windhoek's Startup Ecosystem?

Overview

Within Windhoek there is an increased attraction for entrepreneurs to set up their startups in industries such as Ecommerce & Retail, Hardware & IoT, Social & Leisure. These three industries represent about 43% of the startups represented on the Startup Ecosystem Map of Windhoek.

1st

National Rank

4th

Regional Rank

Overview

Windhoek is Namibia's 1st best startup ecosystem and is ranked 4th in Southern Africa. With a population of 0.1M - 0.5M people, Windhoek is ranked 651st in the world. The city has some notable startup success stories including Find My School.

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