Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) has appointed Ainna Kaundu as Chief Executive Officer for a five-year term, effective 1 January 2026.
The appointment follows a recruitment process conducted by the BIPA Board of Directors. Kaundu has been serving as Acting Chief Executive Officer since 2024, after the departure of former chief executive Vivienne Katjiuongua, whose contract expired.
Before assuming the acting role, Kaundu was Executive for Intellectual Property Registration Services. In that capacity, she was involved in the development of Namibia’s national intellectual property framework, including the Industrial Property Act, the Business and Intellectual Property Authority Act, the draft Copyright Bill and the Consumer Protection Policy.
Kaundu has also held international roles and has been elected Chairperson of a World Intellectual Property Organization conference, as well as Vice Chairperson of the Administrative Council of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization.
She has 18 years of management and leadership experience and has served on several public and private sector boards. Kaundu holds a Master of Laws in International Trade and Investment Law from the University of Pretoria, an LLB from the University of Namibia, and is an admitted legal practitioner.
BIPA Board Chairperson Immanuel Tino !Hanabeb said Kaundu had demonstrated strong leadership during her time as acting chief executive.
“Ms Kaundu demonstrated exceptional judgement, professionalism and resilience during her tenure as Acting Chief Executive Officer,” !Hanabeb said. “She guided the Authority through a period of transition, ensuring operational stability. We are confident that under her leadership, BIPA will continue to advance its mandate.”
The board said it will work closely with Kaundu as BIPA continues to promote ease of doing business and the protection of intellectual property in Namibia.
This article was first published here in partnership with The Brief