Driving Namibia’s just transition through open innovation
Namibia stands at the crossroads of a challenge and an opportunity in a world increasingly shaped by the climate crisis. Water scarcity and energy inefficiency are no longer distant threats – they are here, impacting communities, industries, and ecosystems across our nation. Yet, as daunting as these challenges are, they also present a unique opportunity to lead by example. We can demonstrate how innovation and collaboration can drive a just transition to a sustainable future.The concept of a “just transition” is grounded in equity. It envisions a future where the shift to sustainable practices is inclusive, leaving no one behind. For Namibia, this means addressing our water and energy issues in ways that empower communities, create jobs, and build resilience. It’s about ensuring our solutions suit the environment and include social and economic benefits.
Namibia faces severe water shortages due to droughts, rapid urban growth and climate change. Agriculture, which is vital for many rural communities, depends on water but often lacks the proper infrastructure to use it effectively. Many areas also face energy inefficiencies, as they rely on fossil fuels to run water systems, which is an expensive and unsustainable method.
Roundtable
During the recent Just Transition to the Future (JTF) Water-Energy Nexus Roundtable Discussion, experts from different sectors shared their views on important challenges. A common theme was the need for integrated solutions that balance immediate needs with long-term sustainability.
One panellist noted, “Water and energy cannot be addressed in silos. The key lies in holistic approaches that leverage renewable energy to solve water scarcity issues while building resilience across sectors.” Another emphasised the importance of community engagement: “We must ensure that these solutions empower the people they are meant to serve, from smallholder farmers to urban households.”
These perspectives highlight the complexity of the water-energy connection and the urgent need for innovative, practical solutions that can be widely used.
Traditional approaches often fall short in tackling challenges of this scale. This is where Open Innovation offers a better solution. By opening the problem-solving process to a broader community of entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators, we access a wide range of creativity and expertise that no single organisation can provide.
Collaboration
The JTF initiative supports collaboration among different groups. Open Innovation means that great ideas can come from anywhere: an engineering student with a creative concept, a small startup with a working model, or a well-established company with a new business plan. This approach encourages collaboration, not competition, and encourages participants to share knowledge and resources for the greater good.
This approach is not just about finding solutions; it’s about creating opportunities. The JTF Water-Energy Nexus Challenge encourages innovators to develop technologies, processes and systems that address Namibia’s unique challenges. By participating, innovators contribute to the country’s sustainability, build capacity, gain exposure, and potentially expand their ideas to other regions with similar issues.
The challenge invites innovators worldwide to participate. This initiative targets Namibia's specific needs, focusing on water shortage problems and energy waste in drought-prone areas. Innovators can work on solutions like renewable energy-powered water systems, affordable recycling technologies, or community-based projects. There are many opportunities to explore.
Participants can benefit from mentorship, connect with important stakeholders, and the opportunity to implement their solutions in Namibia.
For more details and to participate in the challenge, visit https://jtfchallenge-namibia.skild.com. Together, we can make a difference.
*Dr Rikus Grobler is Capricorn Group Manager: Innovation.
** Opinion pieces and letters by the public do not necessarily reflect the editorial team’s opinion. The editors reserve the right to abridge original texts. All newspapers of Network Media Hub adhere to the Code of Ethics for Namibian Media, a code established jointly with the Media Ombudsman.