Turning waste into opportunity: EU backs sustainable waste solutions in Windhoek
Through a NAD 44 million grant from the EU, the project seeks to make Windhoek cleaner and more sustainable by promoting recycling, reducing landfill waste and creating opportunities for green employment. The initiative also complements the EU’s broader environmental commitments under the European Green Deal, which aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 through circular economy practices and emissions reduction.
Windhoek’s rapid growth has brought new challenges in managing solid waste, placing pressure on local systems and communities. The Waste Buy-Back Centres offer a practical and inclusive response, encouraging residents to exchange recyclables for cash while fostering a culture of responsible waste separation. Beyond environmental benefits, the project creates income opportunities, supports local entrepreneurs, and builds civic responsibility.
The first Waste Buy-Back Centre, opened in April 2024, has already proven successful, recording nearly 9,000 drop-offs within its first year. This achievement reflects changing mindsets around recycling and highlights how local engagement can make a measurable difference. The project has also provided green jobs, supported small-scale enterprises, and inspired schools and community groups to take part in environmental education initiatives.
Speaking at the ceremony, H.E. Ana Beatriz Martins, EU Ambassador to Namibia, highlighted the importance of this partnership in advancing shared sustainability goals. “This project shows how collaboration between local authorities, international partners, and communities can transform challenges into opportunities,” she said. “By investing in innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions, we are helping to build a cleaner, healthier Windhoek for future generations.”
The EU’s long-standing partnership with Namibia, spanning more than 35 years, continues to drive inclusive and sustainable development. Building on the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding signed between the late President Hage Geingob and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, this collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and good governance.
The EU Delegation commended the City of Windhoek’s leadership and the cooperation between Windhoek and Bremen as a model for effective local governance. The establishment of the second Waste Buy-Back Centre underscores how international partnerships, when rooted in community participation and shared responsibility, can turn waste into opportunity and pave the way for a greener future.
