A New Era for MICE Tourism in Namibia: Convention Bureau Launches to Attract International Events

Published on December 18, 2025

Namibia has officially launched its Convention Bureau, a new initiative designed to position the country as a competitive destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism. Announced by the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Hon. Indileni Daniel, the launch marks a significant step in Namibia’s efforts to diversify its tourism industry and drive economic growth through international business events. This new body, under the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), aims to strengthen the country’s MICE sector, creating new opportunities for local businesses and generating substantial revenue for the economy.

The launch is part of the government’s broader strategy to boost tourism while attracting global conferences and events to Namibia. The country has seen a growing interest in hosting international events in recent years, highlighted by the successful hosting of events such as the Global Africa Hydrogen Summit and the Africa Infrastructure Finance Summit in 2025. The Convention Bureau will play a critical role in further expanding these efforts, supporting local service providers, and streamlining the process for international MICE organizers.

New MICE Policies to Enhance Namibia’s Appeal

The Namibia Convention Bureau (NCB) has already begun facilitating tourism growth by improving the processes for MICE event organizers. The NCB will serve as the official point of contact for international event organizers looking to bring their conferences to Namibia. By streamlining the coordination of national bids for international conferences, supporting event logistics, and providing the MICE Visa, the Bureau ensures a more efficient and hassle-free experience for event planners.

The MICE Visa, one of the major components of the NCB’s strategy, allows event delegates to enter Namibia more easily, with simplified visa application processes for international visitors. Since June 2025, the NCB has already issued nearly 1,000 MICE visas, generating substantial revenue for the local economy.

These efforts are aligned with broader government policies, including the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan (2022-2024) and the National Spatial Tourism Master Plan (2025-2035), which aim to create 500,000 jobs and promote Namibia as a top destination for international tourism and events.

Economic Impact of MICE Tourism

The MICE sector plays a vital role in Namibia’s economic recovery, contributing to job creation, infrastructure development, and the growth of local industries. In 2025, the country hosted 22 major MICE events, attracting over 2,000 delegates and generating more than N$23 million in direct revenue. These events, such as the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference and Africa Infrastructure Finance Summit, provided a significant economic boost to local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, transport providers, and tour operators.

The successful hosting of these events has shown that the MICE sector not only attracts visitors to Namibia but also has a ripple effect on the economy. Local service providers, including event management companies, audiovisual services, and transportation services, have benefited from the increased demand for tourism-related services. These benefits are expected to continue to grow as the MICE sector expands in Namibia, helping to provide more employment opportunities across the tourism and hospitality industries.

Building Partnerships for MICE Success

The NCB’s efforts also focus on building partnerships with both public and private sector stakeholders. Venue owners, hotel developers, service providers, and entrepreneurs are being encouraged to collaborate in developing world-class MICE infrastructure. The government has emphasized the need for state-of-the-art conference centers, modern accommodation, and cutting-edge technology infrastructure to ensure Namibia remains competitive in the global MICE market.

In the long term, the NCB aims to boost Namibia’s international profile by developing a global marketing strategy that promotes Namibia as an ideal destination for business events. The strategy will focus on highlighting Namibia’s unique blend of natural beauty, luxury accommodations, and modern infrastructure, along with its growing reputation for offering high-quality, sustainable tourism experiences.

Sustainable Tourism and MICE Growth

A key focus of the NCB is also promoting sustainable tourism practices in the MICE sector. The Bureau is working closely with tourism operators to implement green practices that reduce the environmental impact of large-scale events. This includes initiatives such as waste reduction, energy-efficient venues, and the use of local materials and services to ensure that Namibia’s natural environment is preserved for future generations.

Sustainable MICE tourism is growing globally, and Namibia is capitalizing on this trend by ensuring that its tourism sector aligns with international standards for environmental responsibility. This approach not only contributes to global conservation efforts but also makes Namibia an attractive destination for eco-conscious business travelers and delegates.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Namibia’s MICE Sector

As the Namibia Convention Bureau continues to develop and expand, the country is set to become a key player in the MICE tourism sector in Africa. The NCB’s strategic goals for 2026 include enhancing Namibia’s presence in international markets, growing the number of high-profile events held in the country, and ensuring that all events meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

By investing in infrastructure, promoting Namibia’s unique appeal, and working to streamline the logistics of hosting international events, the NCB is positioning Namibia for continued success in the global tourism landscape. The rise of the MICE sector not only diversifies the country’s tourism offerings but also strengthens its economy and enhances its global reputation.

Conclusion

The launch of the Namibia Convention Bureau marks a significant milestone in the country’s tourism development, positioning Namibia as a key destination for international business events. Through the implementation of new policies, the promotion of sustainable practices, and the development of a robust MICE infrastructure, Namibia is setting the stage for sustained growth in the tourism sector. As the NCB’s initiatives unfold, the country is expected to become an increasingly popular destination for business travelers and tourists alike, contributing to its economic diversification and long-term prosperity.