Born in Windhoek, before taking up umpiring Louw was the head groundsman for Cricket Namibia, responsible for the upkeep of most major pitches in the country.
[2] Louw stood in at first-class and list-A level for the first time during the 2006–07 season, when Namibia played in the CSA Provincial Competitions against South African sides.
[3][4] Louw has since umpired almost of Namibia's home fixtures in South African tournaments, as well as home ICC Intercontinental Cup games and matches against touring international sides.
His duties have also included roles at ICC Africa and World Cricket League tournaments, including competitions played in South Africa, Swaziland, Botswana, Uganda, Malaysia, and Tanzania.
[2] Louw has served on the 11-member ICC Associates and Affiliates Umpire Panel since 2013 and was re-appointed in January 2015 as one of two representatives from the Africa region (alongside Kenyan David Odhiambo).