DNV and NIPDB bring maritime and certification expertise to Namibia's doorstep

A two-day customer seminar in Walvis Bay and Windhoek brought together Namibian businesses, investors, and industry leaders to explore how ISO certification and maritime expertise can unlock international markets and strengthen Namibia's role in global trade.

A shared commitment to Namibia's growth

 Between 28-30 April 2026, DNV hosted its first Customer Seminar and Networking Event in Namibia,  in partnership with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB). Held across two iconic venues, the coastal town of Walvis Bay on the 28 April 2026 and the capital Windhoek on the 30 April 2026 ,  the event brought together Namibian entrepreneurs, business leaders, and maritime professionals for a day of knowledge exchange, expert presentations, and meaningful networking.

The roadshow marked a significant milestone in DNV's engagement with the Namibian market, combining the expertise of two of its core divisions: Business Assurance and Maritime, under one roof for the first time in the country. The collaboration with NIPDB provided a direct bridge to the Namibian local businesses, ensuring that the event reached the businesses most poised to benefit from international standards and maritime connectivity.

Unlocking markets through ISO certification

The Business Assurance session, presented by DNV's Regional Sales Manager , explored how ISO certification acts as a universal language of quality and trust, one that enables Namibian companies to compete credibly in international tenders, attract foreign investment and meet the compliance expectations of global supply chains. Attendees heard practical examples of how companies across Sub-Saharan Africa have used ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and other standards to open doors that would otherwise remain closed.

"Namibia's businesses have tremendous potential to compete on the world stage. ISO certification is not a bureaucratic hurdle, it is the key that opens the door to international markets, and we are here to make that journey as practical and accessible as possible."- Greg Markwell · Sales Manager, DNV Business Assurance

The session also provided an overview of DNV's full suite of certification and training services available to the Namibian market, from initial gap assessments through to full certification and ongoing surveillance audits. Attendees were invited to discuss their specific business contexts during the networking lunch that followed.

Maritime: connecting Namibia to global trade

The maritime session turned attention to Namibia's rapidly evolving role as a strategic hub in Southern African and global shipping routes. With the Port of Walvis Bay continuing to grow in regional significance,  and Namibia's offshore energy sector attracting increasing international interest, the session highlighted the critical role of classification, technical advisory and maritime safety expertise in supporting this growth.

DNV's maritime specialists shared insights on how the organisation's global network and local presence can support Namibian shipping companies, port operators and offshore project developers in meeting the rigorous technical and regulatory standards required for international operations.

"Namibia is at an exciting inflection point in its maritime story. The Port of Walvis Bay is growing, the offshore energy sector is attracting global attention, and the demand for world-class technical expertise has never been greater. DNV is committed to being a long-term partner in that journey."

Richard Bertrand Albert · Country Manager for Namibia, DNV Maritime

A strategic partnership with NIPDB

The decision to partner with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board was central to the event's success. NIPDB's network ensured that the seminar reached decision-makers across key sectors of the Namibian economy, while the organisation's mandate to facilitate investment and industrial development aligned naturally with DNV's mission to safeguard life, property and the environment through assurance and risk management services. 

"Partnering with DNV on this seminar reflects exactly what NIPDB stands for: connecting Namibian businesses with world-class expertise and global networks. ISO certification and maritime standards are not abstract concepts: they are practical tools that help Namibian companies grow, compete and attract the investment our economy needs."

Chemell Plaatjies Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB)

Networking lunch: meeting the experts

The centrepiece of the afternoon was a structured networking lunch designed around three thematic tables: Certification, Training, and Maritime. This format allowed attendees to hold focused conversations with the DNV specialists most relevant to their business needs, exchanging contacts and exploring concrete opportunities for collaboration. The informal setting proved highly effective in generating follow-up interest, with several attendees expressing intent to begin certification journeys or engage DNV's maritime advisory services in the coming months.

Looking ahead

The Namibia Customer Seminar marks the beginning of a deepened commitment by DNV to the Namibian market. Both the Business Assurance and Maritime teams will follow up individually with attendees to discuss specific certification needs, training programmes, and technical advisory opportunities. DNV and NIPDB have expressed mutual interest in building on this inaugural event with further activities in 2026 and beyond.