MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release

GCIP-Namibia Launches National Academy to Accelerate Cleantech Innovation and Empower Local Entrepreneurs 

Windhoek, Namibia, 22 July 2025 – The Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) Namibia today launched its flagship National Academy, a dynamic three-day accelerator event designed to equip Namibian cleantech startups with the tools, mentorship and exposure needed to scale their innovations for national and global impact. The event, brings together 15 promising semi-finalist teams for intensive capacity building, mentorship and investor readiness support.

The Academy is a strategic initiative under GCIP Namibia, jointly implemented by the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) of Namibia and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with generous funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). It aligns with Namibia’s Vision 2030, its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and its national green growth and climate resilience agendas.

Over the course of three days, participants will engage in targeted workshops, pitch coaching, market validation, business model refinement and one-on-one mentorship. Key focus areas include clean energy, sustainable agriculture, water and waste management and technologies promoting land degradation neutrality.

“This Academy is more than a training, it's a launchpad for sustainable solutions and inclusive economic transformation,” said Mr. Johannes Munango, GCIP Namibia’s National Project Coordinator. “Our long-term goals are to accelerate high-impact cleantech enterprises, build a collaborative innovation ecosystem and contribute to Namibia’s inclusive green economy.” Mr. Munango highlighted that success will be measured by commercialisation outcomes, investment readiness and alignment with Namibia’s broader development and climate objectives.

Semi-finalist teams were carefully selected based on the novelty and impact of their cleantech solutions, scalability, alignment with climate and sustainability goals and relevance to informal settlements and peri-urban development. Special emphasis was placed on gender inclusion and readiness for acceleration.

Among the notable attendees are mentors and partners from institutions including the International University of Management (IUM), Capricorn Group, Namibia Investment Promotion Development Board (NIPDB), SME Compete, Bank Windhoek and the Namibia Training Authority (NTA).

A standout presence at the event is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Network for Global Innovation (NGIN), Mr. Fred Walti, accompanied by Vice President Kevin Braithwaite. Speaking on what drives successful innovation ecosystems in emerging markets like Namibia, Walti emphasised: “There are six critical success factors: supportive government policy, robust university innovation pipelines, strong commercialisation centres, access to diverse funding, future-ready skills development and enabling market access, both local and global.” He further added that sustained mentorship by experienced entrepreneurs, known as Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs), is one of the most transformative interventions for early-stage startups.

“Namibian entrepreneurs can tap into global platforms through strategic partnerships with government, corporations and global networks like UNIDO and NGIN,” Walti said. “There’s untapped potential in every cleantech segment, especially energy, where 70% of global emissions originate. The transition to a green economy is both a necessity and a business opportunity.”

One of the semi-finalists interviewed at the Academy, Ms. Viclensia “Vicky” Harases, Founder and Managing Director of Promise Investment CC, expressed her excitement: “This platform is exactly what we need as emerging innovators in Namibia. It’s not just about building a business, it’s about building a legacy of environmental and economic transformation. I’m inspired by the collaboration and mentorship we’re receiving.”

The Academy’s strong focus on women-led innovation underscores GCIP Namibia’s commitment to inclusive development and sustainable impact.

With cleantech innovation identified as a key driver for Namibia’s sustainable development, the GCIP Namibia National Academy marks a pivotal milestone in building a pipeline of climate-smart businesses ready for investment, market growth and global partnership.

The launch of the National Academy run until 24 July 2025, marking three days of impactful engagement and innovation. 

For more information please contact:

Media Contact: Romeo Muyunda
Manager: Corporate Communications
Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF)
Tel: +264 81 407844
Email: rmuyunda@eif.org.na

Project Contact: Johannes Munango  

National Project Coordinator 

Tel: +264 811 432910

Email: jmunango@eif.org.na