The Namibia ReThink Waste GreenCycle expo will return on 30 October, with organisers targeting measurable results from the second edition of the youth-led platform promoting waste as an economic opportunity.
The two-day expo, ending on 31 October, aims to bring together the government, businesses, innovators, municipalities and communities to find ways of turning waste into value while advancing Namibia’s transition to a circular economy.
The organisation behind the expo, a collaboration between Creations Industrial Design and Aligned Sustainability and Environmental Consultants, says its focus is on connecting policy, finance, innovation and communities to create sustainable solutions around waste management.
The 2026 expo will be held under the theme ‘Proof of Impact’, shifting from last year’s proof-of-concept approach towards measurable outcomes.
Co-founder Maria Shimhanda says the initiative was created to change how Namibia views waste.
“We are here to turn waste into value. And this is what it means to close the loop.”
The organisers’ long-term target is to contribute to 5 000-plus green jobs by 2030.
In her statement, she says the programme will focus on growing small and medium enterprises in the circular economy, climate resilience and financing the green transition.
It will include workshops, investor meetings, pitch sessions and a live investment pitch arena.
The organisers also plan to launch a GreenCycle innovators incubator to support startups throughout the year, alongside a municipal innovation challenge linking municipalities with technology providers and financiers.
The inaugural expo attracted more than 550 stakeholders and helped advance recommendations for Namibia’s extended producer responsibility framework.
