The Capricorn Foundation has committed an additional N$1.17 million to the RuralRevive Initiative in Maltahöhe, backing efforts to promote local economic development through horticulture and waste management.
This latest contribution pushes the Foundation’s total investment in the project to over N$2.1 million, reinforcing its partnership with the Wolwedans Foundation and aligning with its wider focus on economic advancement and community upliftment.
The RuralRevive Initiative forms part of the Wolwedans Foundation’s Vision 2030 – The AridEden Project – which aims to create a circular economy and generate sustainable employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in and around Maltahöhe.
The project focuses on five pillars: Commerce, Community, Conservation, Culture, and Consciousness.
The Capricorn Foundation was the first corporate donor to support the initiative, having initially pledged N$1 million in its 2023/24 financial year.
“The Capricorn Foundation is proud to deepen our support for RuralRevive. This initiative is a shining example of how collaboration can drive sustainable change. By investing in horticulture and waste management, we are helping to build a resilient, inclusive economy in Namibia’s desert regions, one that empowers communities and protects the environment,” Capricorn Foundation Executive Officer Marlize Horn said.
Under the horticulture work package, the initiative will strengthen local food systems via the RuralRevive Campus and a new Trading Hub.
These facilities will provide training to farmers, help with food production and preservation, and link growers to markets.
The Trading Hub will also host open markets every two weeks, and a new training facility will be built on a nearby farm to encourage sustainable agricultural practices.
The waste management component aims to improve waste collection and recycling systems through the establishment of a recycling centre in Maltahöhe and a depot in Mariental.
Partnering with Rent-A-Drum, the project will provide community incentives for collecting recyclables, offer vocational training, and run awareness campaigns.
“The Capricorn Foundation’s investment helps us grow our impact and turn our vision of building a more inclusive and equitable desert-based economy into reality. Together, we create opportunities for self-reliance, dignity, and long-term sustainability. We are excited that Capricorn paves the way, hopefully encouraging more Namibian corporates to join the RuralRevive initiative,” Stephan Brückner, Chairman of the Wolwedans Foundation said,welcoming the continued support from Capricorn.
