NTB-Hype.UP Contract Dispute: Former NTB CEO Digu//Naobeb Denies Fraud Allegations, Calls Claims Defamatory
Former Chief Executive Officer of the Namibian Tourism Board (NTB), Digu//Naobeb, has strongly denied allegations of fraud linked to contractual agreements between the NTB and Ghana-based tourism service provider, Hype.UP Limited.
In a statement dated February 6, 2025, Mr. Digu//Naobeb described the allegations as “malicious intent to defame” him and misrepresent the facts surrounding NTB’s engagements in Ghana under his leadership.
Response to Allegations
Mr. Digu//Naobeb challenged the NTB Board’s press release, which he claims contains factual inaccuracies. According to him, the board’s tenure began in November 2023 and not July 2023 as stated.
He further clarified that NTB executed only two projects in Ghana in 2023:
World Trade Centre Event (April 2023): Organized under the auspices of Namibia’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (MIRCO) and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), this event included a tourism networking session facilitated by NTB. Hype.UP was contracted for destination marketing, given its previous work with Air Namibia and Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR). The project cost NTB $8,927.47, and an educational tour for Ghanaian media and travel agencies followed in June 2023.
September 2023 Project: Comprising five components, including the launch of “November in Namibia,” a networking session for Namibian SMEs, participation in an inter-tourism trade fair, media activation efforts, and a follow-up business networking event planned for April 2024.
Mr. Digu//Naobeb asserted that NTB’s handling of contract approvals post his tenure lacked due diligence, leading to the current dispute. He claims NTB failed to manage the agreements properly, allowing contract expiration without formally invoking termination clauses.
Legal and Reputational Concerns
Mr. Digu//Naobeb maintains that the accusations against him are “flawed and misleading,” and aimed at tarnishing his reputation. He insists that any financial irregularities postdating his tenure should be addressed by the current NTB leadership.
The former CEO has called for evidence of corruption allegations and warned of potential legal action to safeguard his reputation. He also criticized NTB’s decision to withdraw from the Ghanaian market, arguing that it undermines efforts to diversify Namibia’s tourism source markets and support emerging SMEs.
Hype.UP’s Complaint and Unpaid Debts
Hype.UP Limited has lodged a formal complaint with Ghanaian and Namibian authorities, accusing certain NTB Board members of a “deliberate act of fraudulent breach of trust.” The company alleges that despite fulfilling its contractual obligations, NTB has refused to release payments amounting to $51,123 under two agreements signed in September and October 2023.
September 6, 2023 Contract: Partial payment of $24,910 was made, leaving an outstanding balance of $9,964.
October 27, 2023 Contract: Full payment of $41,159.92 remains unpaid.
Insider sources claim funds were allocated for these payments but have not been disbursed, raising suspicions of misappropriation. Hype.UP’s legal representatives have condemned the NTB Board’s actions, citing “a blatant disregard for professional ethics and a breach of trust.”
As the dispute unfolds, the Namibian and Ghanaian authorities are expected to investigate the claims, with potential legal ramifications for all parties involved.
