Windhoek, 14 September 2026.
Statement by Mr Vitalis Ndalikokule, CEO and Secretary to the Commission, at the NaCC and CPBN Memorandum of Understanding Ceremony.
Director of Proceedings;
Mr Idi Itope, Chief Executive Officer of the Central Procurement Board of Namibia;
Distinguished representatives from both institutions;
Members of the media;
Invited guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Good morning.
It is a great honour and privilege to join you today for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Namibian Competition Commission and the Central Procurement Board of Namibia.
This occasion marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen fair competition, transparency, and integrity within Namibia’s economy.
This MoU is also a direct deliverable of the National Competition Policy: 2020–2025, which specifically calls for the development of a cooperation mechanism between the Namibian Competition Commission and the public procurement authority to enhance competition in public tenders and reduce bid-rigging practices. The Policy further underscores the importance of institutional cooperation and coordination among regulators as a means of safeguarding competitive markets and advancing the public interest.
Today’s ceremony is therefore not merely the formalisation of an agreement between two institutions. Rather, it represents the implementation of a national policy commitment and reflects our shared determination to foster a public procurement environment that is competitive, accountable, and responsive to the needs of our nation.
Through this partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to working collaboratively to prevent and address anti-competitive conduct that undermines market efficiency, public trust, and the effective use of public resources.
Director of Proceedings, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The primary objective of this MoU is to establish a framework for cooperation between our institutions in matters relating to competition law and public procurement. By strengthening our collaboration, we aim to combat practices such as collusive tendering, bid rigging, abuse of dominance, and tailored bidding specifications that restrict competition and compromise value for public resources.
This partnership is founded on the principles of mutual respect, equality, and shared benefit. It recognises that effective public procurement and competitive markets are mutually reinforcing pillars that contribute to sustainable economic growth, efficient service delivery, and improved opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.
Through this Memorandum of Understanding, our institutions will collaborate in several key areas, including:
• Strengthening efforts to detect, prevent, and address anti-competitive practices in public procurement processes;
• Undertaking joint research initiatives to better understand market dynamics, supplier behaviour, and sectors vulnerable to collusion;
• Facilitating the exchange of information and intelligence, within the confines of applicable laws, to support investigations and evidence-based interventions;
• Conducting joint awareness programmes, workshops, and seminars to promote understanding of competition and procurement principles; and
• Enhancing institutional capacity through training initiatives, technical cooperation, and knowledge sharing.
These collaborative efforts are not intended to diminish the independence or mandates of either institution. Instead, they are designed to leverage our respective strengths and expertise to safeguard the integrity of Namibia’s procurement system and promote a fair and competitive marketplace.
Director of Proceedings, Ladies and Gentlemen,
An important feature of this MoU is the establishment of a Joint Working Committee, which will provide a structured platform for ongoing engagement between our institutions. The Committee will coordinate joint activities, monitor implementation progress, identify emerging challenges, and recommend measures to strengthen cooperation and improve effectiveness.
Furthermore, the MoU provides clear mechanisms for handling matters relating to complaints, concurrent jurisdiction, information sharing, confidentiality, and dispute resolution. These provisions reflect our unwavering commitment to professionalism, accountability, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law.
Director of Proceedings, Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we sign this agreement today, we are laying the foundation for a stronger and more resilient Namibia. A Namibia where public procurement processes are conducted with integrity, where fair competition is protected, and where economic opportunities are accessible and equitable.
Ultimately, this partnership is about serving the people of Namibia. It is about ensuring that public resources are utilised efficiently, that markets function competitively, and that economic progress translates into tangible benefits for citizens and businesses across the country.
As I conclude, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to Mr Itope and the entire team of the Central Procurement Board of Namibia, as well as the NaCC team, for their commitment, cooperation, and shared vision. Your dedication to promoting transparency and good governance has been instrumental in bringing this partnership to fruition.
I also extend my gratitude to all stakeholders present here today. Your continued support and engagement will be vital to ensuring the success of this collaboration and the effective implementation of the commitments we undertake through this MoU.
Together, let us work towards building stronger institutions, protecting the integrity of public procurement, promoting competitive markets, and creating an environment that supports sustainable and inclusive economic development.
I thank you.
