BIPA appoints Ainna Vilengi Kaundu as Chief Executive Officer

January 8, 2026 31

By: Josia Shigwedha

The Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) board of directors on Thursday announced the appointment of Ainna Vilengi Kaundu as the new chief executive officer, on a five-year term, effective 1 January 2026.

Prior to her appointment, Kaundu with 18 years of management and leadership experience, served as executive of intellectual property services, where she played a pioneering role in shaping Namibia’s national intellectual property agenda.

Kaundu has also been elected chairperson of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) conference and serves as vice chairperson of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) administrative council.

Written by: Madeline

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