Sustainable Urban Mobility: A Path to a Greener Namibia

Namibia is making significant strides toward sustainable urban mobility, with a strong focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting green transportation. The government is reviewing its 2018 Transport Policy to align with climate change goals, underscoring its commitment to sustainability. Namibia’s abundant renewable energy resources solar, wind, and hydropower position the country as a potential leader in the electric vehicle (EV) movement.LEFA Leads the Way with Women-Driven EV FleetLEFA, a popular transportation service, launched a new fleet of electric vehicles in October last year, driven exclusively by women. Prisca Mayumbelo, an urban and transport planner for the City of Windhoek, emphasized the significance of this initiative, noting the role of EVs in combating climate change.“Transportation accounts for 20-25% of global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to fossil fuel-powered vehicles,” Mayumbelo said. She highlighted Namibia’s unseasonal weather patterns as a direct consequence of climate change, stressing that the country must take responsibility despite its small population.Government and Private Sector CollaborationMayumbelo called for collective action from the government, local authorities, and private companies to drive sustainable urban development. She praised the private sector, particularly LEFA, for pioneering carbon-free mobility solutions.Namibia’s Sustainable Urban Transport Master PlanThe Sustainable Urban Transport Master Plan for Windhoek, developed in collaboration with the City of Windhoek, the Ministry of Works and Transport, and the German government, aims to create an efficient, environmentally friendly transport system. The plan focuses on improving public transport to make it more affordable, reliable, and accessible.“A person should not walk more than 500 meters to access public transport,” Mayumbelo explained. The plan also promotes non-motorized transport, such as cycling and walking, to be integrated into urban infrastructure.Empowering Women in TransportThe event also celebrated the empowerment of women in the transport sector. LEFA, in partnership with TUI, launched the Futureshapers program, training women as EV drivers and city tour guides. The program includes defensive driving, anti-hijacking, first aid, and business skills, equipping women for success in a traditionally male-dominated field.“This is more than just a shift from fuel to batteries; it’s about creating a greener, more inclusive Namibia,” said Iyaloo Magongo, Project Manager at LEFA. Notably, LEFA is one of TUI Care Foundation’s first partners to receive support through a low-cost loan rather than a grant.A Greener Future for NamibiaThe push for sustainable urban mobility in Namibia is not just about cleaner transportation it is also about economic growth and inclusivity. As the country embraces green technologies, the future looks promising for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable nation.

Sustainable Urban Mobility: A Path to a Greener Namibia

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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Sustainable Urban Mobility: A Path to a Greener Namibia

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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