The City of Windhoek (CoW), with support from the European Union (EU), donated six cargo bikes to SME operators.

The bikes will be used to collect waste across the city for recycling and making necklaces, shoes, and clothing.

The initiative seeks to improve solid waste management.

In addition to the cargo bikes, the six recipient entrepreneurs will receive financial support for 12 months.

The City of Windhoek Mayor, Queen Kamati, says the handover aligns with the city's circular economy goals to foster a more sustainable economy.

"The Council of Global Support seeks to incubate a start-up in Wales focused on upcycling over a 12-month period. This initiative embraces our commitment to implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at the local level, aligning with the national framework and the community's priorities. The specific project aims to contribute to the achievement of SDGs 8, 11, and 12."

"This partnership yields more than just tangible results; it also reflects the optimism in our shared commitment to transforming foreign trade into something beneficial and sustainable while enhancing global waste management capacity. Today's event marks another milestone in demonstrating our strong commitment to the UN 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals," said EU Ambassador to Namibia, Beatrice Martins.

On behalf of the beneficiaries, Vejama Ndjiharine expressed gratitude for the support.

"We are honoured and humbled to accept this generous funding from the City of Windhoek through the EU-funded project titled Improving Solid Waste Management in Ventures. We applied for the program under the economic startup initiative, which was advertised from early July to July 31, 2024. The goal was to identify efficient, innovative small and medium enterprises."

The donation is part of a collaboration between the cities of Windhoek and Bremen in Germany to improve solid waste management in their cities.