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
In Namibia
Regional Ranking
In Southern Africa
Global Ranking
Worldwide
In Partnership with
Ecosystem
Startup Ecosystem Overview
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
5 startups
4 startups
4 startups
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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
ECOSYSTEM
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Ecosystem
The Startup Ecosystem in Windhoek
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
| 2023 National Rank & Change | City | Global Rank & Change | Total Score | Quantity Score | Quality Score | Business Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st 0 | 651st + 49 | 0.307 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 |
Startups
Notable Startups in Windhoek
Startups
Successful Ecommerce & Retail startups in Windhoek
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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