The Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) has secured a budget exceeding N$16 million for the next 36 months, with a target of mitigating approximately 45,000 metric tons of CO2e through cleantech initiatives.
Benedict Libanda, Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF), said the programme will support over 80 enterprises, equipping clean technology entrepreneurs with essential skills and access to financial mechanisms.
“The GCIP will establish a national training framework to strengthen the capacity of cleantech entrepreneurs and mentors. It will provide tailored financial support to drive innovation while working closely with policymakers to develop gender-responsive cleantech policies aligned with national and international sustainability goals,” Libanda said.
He said sustainable change in Namibia requires a coordinated approach, noting that the success of GCIP will be reinforced when integrated with other key initiatives under EIF and the Building Back Better (BBB) Initiative.
The Green Impact Facility (GIF) is poised to revolutionize green financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), enabling the adoption of low-carbon technologies, while the BBB Initiative seeks to integrate resilience-building into Namibia’s economic recovery.
The initiative will complement GCIP’s efforts by strengthening value chains in climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and other green sectors.
Environmental Commissioner Timoteus Mufeti hailed Namibia’s commitment to global climate action, stating that the country is at a pivotal moment in its transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy.
“Namibia recognizes the growing threats of climate change, which is why our commitment under the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism remains steadfast. We have ratified all key multilateral climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement, and are dedicated to limiting global temperature rise to well below 2°C, striving for 1.5°C. Our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) outline clear emissions reduction targets,” Mufeti said.
GCIP Namibia is an initiative spearheaded by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in collaboration with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
It aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in developing economies to combat climate and environmental challenges.
In Namibia, the program focuses on supporting startups and SMEs with innovative cleantech ideas, facilitating the development of scalable business models, and strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
GCIP also promotes collaboration between public and private sectors to ensure long-term sustainability of its interventions.
