Juliet Madamombe
As global warming and climate change continue to dominate headlines, the world looks to pioneers for solutions.
Amid this global rally, annual events like the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP) unite nations in a shared mission to combat these pressing issues.
Standing tall among these champions is Namibia, a trailblazer in Africa’s green revolution.
This ‘Land of the Brave’, as many call it, is not only committed to renewable energy and sustainable development, but also empowering its small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to drive innovation, and lead the charge toward a greener future.
While many developing nations struggle to implement green practices and circular economy initiatives due to inadequate government support, Namibia stands out.
President Nangolo Mbumba’s recent inauguration of the Hyphen Project underscores the nation’s proactive stance.
This ambitious partnership between the Namibian government and international environmental and technology partners aims to harness wind and solar power, crucial components of Namibia’s green industrialisation agenda.
The project has already seen the installation of 10 meteorological masts across the country, each towering at 120 metres.
These structures gather essential data on wind, temperature, humidity, solar irradiation and other critical atmospheric parameters, forming the backbone of the country’s solar and wind renewable energy initiatives.
Namibia’s embrace of green hydrogen technology further cements its leadership in sustainable innovation.
This transition promises vast opportunities for economic growth, sustainability and technological advancement.
While green entrepreneurs have been realised as critical to a green economy, making significant contributions to economic development, they also create notable environmental problems.
Malesios et al. (2021) noted that SMEs are responsible for approximately 70% of global pollution.
This stark reality underscores the need for substantial support from key stakeholders to help SMEs implement green logistics practices effectively, as many face financial and expertise constraints.
Nevertheless, Namibia shines as a beacon of hope.
Government initiatives, like the National Energy Policy and the Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff (REFIT), provide SMEs with crucial incentives, subsidies and financial support.
The construction of Namibia’s first large-scale green hydrogen facility promises to create thousands of jobs, and spur sustainable growth.
Alongside government grants and training programmes, this endeavour equips SMEs with the tools needed to invest in green infrastructure and technology, paving the way for a brighter, greener future.
These government efforts transcend mere infrastructure projects, aiming to cultivate an ecosystem, where small and medium enterprises (SMEs) flourish.
One standout initiative is the collaboration between the government and the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF), which offers grants and low-interest loans to SMEs venturing into renewable energy.
This partnership has empowered local players, like InnoSun Energy Holdings, to pioneer solar power plants that inject clean energy into the national grid, illuminating a brighter, more sustainable future.
Moreover, alliances with esteemed academic institutions, exemplified by the University of Namibia’s Renewable Energy Research Group, propel SMEs into the forefront of innovation.
Through such partnerships, SMEs gain access to cutting-edge research and development, bolstering Namibia’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 7, ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
These collaborative endeavours not only nurture innovation, but also foster a fertile ground for market opportunities, propelling Namibia’s renewable energy initiatives and sustainable development efforts forward with unwavering momentum.
The journey toward environmental sustainability in entrepreneurship is well-underway in Namibia. A growing number of entrepreneurs are recognising the importance of environmental preservation.
However, the path is still long, and it requires the concerted efforts of government, NGOs, private companies, SMEs, consumers, investors and policymakers. Scholars advocate for logistics eco-centricity, where organisations engage, collaborate and learn from various stakeholders to improve the effectiveness of green logistics implementation (Agyabeng-Mensah et al., 2020). This approach can significantly benefit SMEs, enabling them to adopt sustainable practices more effectively.
Namibia’s strides in promoting environmental sustainability are a shining example for other developing nations.
The Hyphen Project and green hydrogen initiatives are just the beginning.
With robust support systems and a forward-thinking approach, Namibia is well on its way to becoming a leader in the global green revolution.
As the world watches, Namibia’s journey toward renewable energy and sustainable development continues to inspire. The message is clear, with the right support and determination, green entrepreneurs can transform challenges into opportunities, driving a greener, more sustainable future for all.
* Juliet Madamombe is an entrepreneur, business consultant and writer. She is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration degree at the University of Namibia. E-mail address: jtmadamombe@gmail.com