Business
Companies Act 28 of 2004 with BIPA registration and close corporations
The Companies Act 28 of 2004 governs companies and the Close Corporations Act 26 of 1988 provides a simplified vehicle widely used by small business. Registration is with the Business and Intellectual Property Authority. Namibia has no separate commercial court; the High Court hears company matters.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — BIPA registers; the High Court hears company disputes and liquidations.
- Deadline — Annual return: filed with BIPA each year after incorporation
- Deadline — Close corporation: minimum one, maximum ten members
Governing law
- Companies Act 28 of 2004
- Close Corporations Act 26 of 1988
- Business and Intellectual Property Authority Act 8 of 2016
In practice
The close corporation, inherited from South African law, remains important because it gives members limited liability without the governance overhead of a company, and it is still the default choice for owner-managed Namibian businesses.