WINDHOEK, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Namibia ranked first in Africa for startup market perception in the StartupBlink Innovators Business Environment Index 2026, the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) said in a statement released Tuesday.

The index, a global assessment of more than 125 countries that evaluates the ease and credibility of conducting business, placed Namibia first in Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and southern Africa in the market perception category, reflecting strong regional leadership in institutional trust and governance credibility, the NIPDB said.

Namibia also ranked in the top global quartile for dividend and capital gains tax parameters, underscoring its competitiveness in key fiscal indicators, it said.

The board said the ranking highlights Namibia's ongoing efforts to create a predictable, stable, and investor-friendly business environment.

The recognition positions Namibia as a trusted destination for innovators and entrepreneurs seeking stability and confidence when establishing or expanding ventures, at a time when global investors increasingly emphasize governance quality and regulatory certainty.

However, the board noted that turning this ranking into lasting benefits for startups will require stronger coordination among stakeholders, alongside increased investment in research and development, intellectual property protection, and commercialization. Expanding access to finance, skills, and markets will also be critical to strengthening Namibia's innovation ecosystem.

The StartupBlink index evaluates countries based on ease of operating a business, business incentives, and market perception, including governance quality and institutional trust. ■