By Shania Lazarus
Copyright namibian
The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) has opened a bid to develop a Namibian film and creative city – Namibia’s own Hollywood.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah officially launched the expression of interest for the project on Monday during the ‘Experience Namibia in New York’ event held on the margins of the 80th United Nations General Assembly.
NIPDB spokesperson Catherine Shipushu says the project will not only boost Namibia’s creative economy but also position the country as an authentic destination where diverse narratives come to life
“The focus will be directed toward key sub-sectors, including fashion designing, music and performing arts, filmmaking as well as technology and innovation,” she says.
According to Shipushu, the film and creative city will have state-of-the-art film production facilities, talent casting agencies and accommodation and hospitality options.
Additionally, the project is expected to have a positive impact on tourism by stimulating leisure and business travel while also increasing the export potential of Namibia’s creative content.
The development will be driven through a smart partnership model involving both public and private sector players.
To this end, the government has issued an expression of interest (EOI), inviting local and international entities experienced in large-scale infrastructure and creative industry development to participate.
The terms of reference is available at a non-refundable fee of N$10 000.
The deadline for submitting EOIs is 30 November.
Earlier this year, Nandi-Ndaitwah announced a N$50-million injection into Namibia’s creative sector as part of a national revival strategy aimed at boosting economic sectors after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Part of the funding will be used to carry out a feasibility study that aims to identify how best to support Namibia’s different regions based on their unique needs.
Another portion of the funding was to support the development of regional creative hubs that provide spaces for artistic innovation.
Another flagship component of the allocation was the establishment of a national creative industries incubation programme.
This was to conduct entrepreneurship training, start-up support and mentorship for creatives, crafters and micro, small and medium enterprises within the creative sector.
