Innovation isn’t just about technology; it’s also about using creativity and collaboration to solve real-world problems, and Namibia is beginning to step into a new era of innovation.
Take, for example, the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board’s (NIPDB) push for youth entrepreneurship through initiatives like the Know2Grow (K2G) NextGen Entrepreneurs program, aimed at bringing business support directly to Namibia.
In the creative economy, Namibian filmmakers, designers, and digital artists are gaining traction across Africa and beyond. The 2024 launch of the National Film Development Fund is helping local creators turn their ideas into export-ready productions.
But Namibia, like many African countries, still invests less than 1% of its GDP in research and development, according to UNESCO. That means too many good ideas never get past the prototype stage.
That’s where innovation hubs play a transformative role. They bridge gaps between universities, startups, government, and industry; they offer safe spaces to test ideas; and they build the human capital necessary for long-term impact.
Since launching in late 2023, CcHUB Namibia has committed itself to creating the ideal environment for innovation to grow and entrepreneurship to succeed. As the Southern African expression of Co-creation HUB (CcHUB), the leading pan-African creative and innovation ecosystem enabler with operations in Nigeria, Kenya, Togo, and Rwanda, the Windhoek-based hub focuses on transforming isolated efforts into tangible, collaborative impact.
“At CcHUB Namibia, we are focused on creativity and technology-driven impact. We are breaking the tradition of building in isolation by creating spaces for creative thinking, cross-sector partnerships, research-based innovations, and social impact for Namibia and Africa’s prosperity.”
— Jude Adejuwon Lead at CcHUB Namibia and HEI Innovation practice at CcHUB
Improved Livelihoods: Turning Ideas into Economic Opportunity
Image by CcHUB: scale-up initiative
Through its flagship Seedr acceleration programme, CcHUB Namibia has supported early-stage startups like PEBL, which builds energy-efficient PCs adapted to African environments, creating local jobs and future skills.
In 2024, CcHUB welcomed creative entrepreneurs through its Stawi Creative Spaces, providing free desk space and event venues in Windhoek to fashion designers, artists, and creators, thereby fostering growth and collaboration among these individuals.
Quality Education & Civic Resilience: Equipping Young Minds For Lifelong Impact
By connecting the dots between government, academia, and entrepreneurs, CcHUB Namibia, in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), the University of Namibia (UNAM), and the Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST) supported 30 student innovation teams across Nigeria, Kenya, and Namibia, through curated design sprints, funding up to US$30,000, and mentorship for innovative solutions.
Strengthened Healthcare & Environmental Sustainability: Innovating for Resilience
Image by CcHUB: Water–Energy Nexus Challenge panel discussion
Namibia’s innovation ecosystem is deeply intertwined with its climate realities. With a rapidly growing population and intensifying resource pressures, there is an urgent need for sustainable, scalable solutions. CcHUB Namibia’s climate-focused innovation work, including the Water–Energy Nexus Challenge is helping build local capacity to safeguard water, energy, and environmental security for the long term. Launched in November 2024 in partnership with UNIDO and the Capricorn Foundation, awarded over N$300,000 in funding to local innovators addressing water scarcity and clean energy access, two of Namibia’s most urgent climate resilience issues.
By intentionally linking government, research institutions, and the private sector, the hub is setting a benchmark for how to drive climate resilience and healthier communities through inclusive, tech-enabled innovation.
What’s next
As Africa prepares to add over 800 million people to its population by 2050, the urgency for systems that support scalable, local, and sustainable innovation is increasing. CcHUB Namibia is showing how it can be done: with intentionality, collaboration, and a commitment to inclusive progress.
Our goal is to make CcHUB Namibia the go-to place for anyone looking to build a tech startup or creative business in the country. With a focus on collaboration, local talent, and real-world impact, we’re helping lay the groundwork for a more connected and innovative future.
If you are interested in CcHUB Namibia and the work we are doing, please fill out the expression of interest form to explore how we can collaborate: https://bit.ly/CcHUBNamibia
Sources:
Bma, S. W., Bma, S. W., & Bma, S. W. (2024, July 31). July 31, 2024Known Associates And Tulinane Entertainment Establish Namibian Film FundContent Creation July 31, 2024. Broadcast Media Africahttps://broadcastmediaafrica.com/2024/07/31/known-associates-and-tulinane-entertainment-establish-namibian-film-fund
Asylum. (n.d.). Funding opportunities | Namibia Film Commission. Namibia Film Commission. https://nfc.na/funding/funding-opportunities?
Info_E12wt4cs. (n.d.). NIPDB to work with young entrepreneurs – News Stand. Copyright Windhoek Observer – All Rights Reserved. https://www.observer24.com.na/tag/nipdb-to-work-with-young-entrepreneurs/
Info_E12wt4cs. (n.d.). NIPDB to work with young entrepreneurs – News Stand. Copyright Windhoek Observer – All Rights Reserved. https://www.observer24.com.na/tag/nipdb-to-work-with-young-entrepreneurs/