NIPDB's Van Schalkwyk resigns, returns to UK
The Namibia Investment and Promotion Development Board (NIPDB) confirmed the resignation of its executive for investments, François van Schalkwyk, who will be returning to the United Kingdom.
Van Schalkwyk is said to have tendered his resignation last week, and informed his colleagues at the NIPDB that he would be leaving the institution last Friday, Market Watch was informed.
When approached for comment, Van Schalkwyk neither denied nor confirmed the resignation, instead referring Market Watch to the NIPDB’s head of communications, Catherine Shipushu.
The NIPDB confirmed Van Schalkwyk's news, saying his resignation will be effective 31 July 2025.
“After more than four years of service, Van Schalkwyk has made the decision to pursue other interests. He will also be moving back to the United Kingdom to spend more quality time with his young family,” the NIPDB said.
During his tenure in this role, Van Schalkwyk made a significant contribution to the operational efficiency of the NIPDB, in particular the investment department. “He laid a strong foundation for service excellence by building an agile, client-focused and highly capable team as well as setting up the necessary systems and processes that enable seamless investment attraction and promotion.”
Prior to serving as the executive director for investments at the NIPDB since March 2021, Van Schalkwyk was based in London and was the CEO of the advisory firm, Holbrook Advisors. Before that, Van Schalkwyk also served as manager for acquisitions at BGL.
Van Schalkwyk's exit comes as a surprise to many in policy and business circles, where he has earned a reputation as both a strategic architect and a forthright voice in the country’s economic development efforts.
Since his appointment in March 2021, Van Schalkwyk emerged as a prominent player in investment promotion, frequently appearing alongside NIPDB CEO, Nangula Uaandja at international forums and bilateral meetings.
Van Schalkwyk is said to have tendered his resignation last week, and informed his colleagues at the NIPDB that he would be leaving the institution last Friday, Market Watch was informed.
When approached for comment, Van Schalkwyk neither denied nor confirmed the resignation, instead referring Market Watch to the NIPDB’s head of communications, Catherine Shipushu.
The NIPDB confirmed Van Schalkwyk's news, saying his resignation will be effective 31 July 2025.
“After more than four years of service, Van Schalkwyk has made the decision to pursue other interests. He will also be moving back to the United Kingdom to spend more quality time with his young family,” the NIPDB said.
During his tenure in this role, Van Schalkwyk made a significant contribution to the operational efficiency of the NIPDB, in particular the investment department. “He laid a strong foundation for service excellence by building an agile, client-focused and highly capable team as well as setting up the necessary systems and processes that enable seamless investment attraction and promotion.”
Prior to serving as the executive director for investments at the NIPDB since March 2021, Van Schalkwyk was based in London and was the CEO of the advisory firm, Holbrook Advisors. Before that, Van Schalkwyk also served as manager for acquisitions at BGL.
Van Schalkwyk's exit comes as a surprise to many in policy and business circles, where he has earned a reputation as both a strategic architect and a forthright voice in the country’s economic development efforts.
Since his appointment in March 2021, Van Schalkwyk emerged as a prominent player in investment promotion, frequently appearing alongside NIPDB CEO, Nangula Uaandja at international forums and bilateral meetings.
