N$90 million generated from environmental levies
Namibia's environmental levies generate around N$90 million annually, with the revenue reinvested in environmental protection and public awareness initiatives.
Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) spokesperson Romeo Muyunda shared the information in a statement marking World Environment Day, observed annually on 5 June. This year’s theme was ‘Putting an End to Plastic Pollution’.
In support of sustainable financing, EIF, in collaboration with the environment ministry, introduced environmental levies under the Customs and Excise Act, Muyunda said.
Through these levies, EIF established the Green Impact Facility (GIF), among other investments, which is a blended finance mechanism aimed at fostering green investments and providing essential financial support to small and medium enterprises.
To date, GIF has financed over 300 loans, disbursing approximately N$94 million to both households and enterprises, and has contributed to the creation of more than 950 jobs.
The investments and employment impacts span key focal areas, including waste management and recycling, renewable energy, sustainable tourism initiatives, sustainable agriculture and green technology innovation, as well as natural resource management and value addition.
To date, the fund has mobilised over N$4 billion in environmental and climate financing.
Road ahead
Muyunda said the EIF is currently finalising an investment plan for the effective allocation of funds generated through environmental levies.
Key initiatives proposed in the plan include the design and support of prototype landfills for local authorities, investment in mobile recycling stations to increase waste collection efficiency, public awareness campaigns on environmental sustainability and incentive schemes for individuals who deliver plastic waste to recycling facilities.
“These initiatives are designed to curb plastic waste and reduce the overall environmental impact footprint in urban and rural areas alike," he said.
Muyunda explained further that in Namibia, where many depend on natural resources for their livelihoods, the importance of environmental preservation and sustainability cannot be overstated.
“Our environment provides essential resources such as food, water,and energy, yet it is increasingly under threat from challenges including biodiversity loss and climate change."
Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) spokesperson Romeo Muyunda shared the information in a statement marking World Environment Day, observed annually on 5 June. This year’s theme was ‘Putting an End to Plastic Pollution’.
In support of sustainable financing, EIF, in collaboration with the environment ministry, introduced environmental levies under the Customs and Excise Act, Muyunda said.
Through these levies, EIF established the Green Impact Facility (GIF), among other investments, which is a blended finance mechanism aimed at fostering green investments and providing essential financial support to small and medium enterprises.
To date, GIF has financed over 300 loans, disbursing approximately N$94 million to both households and enterprises, and has contributed to the creation of more than 950 jobs.
The investments and employment impacts span key focal areas, including waste management and recycling, renewable energy, sustainable tourism initiatives, sustainable agriculture and green technology innovation, as well as natural resource management and value addition.
To date, the fund has mobilised over N$4 billion in environmental and climate financing.
Road ahead
Muyunda said the EIF is currently finalising an investment plan for the effective allocation of funds generated through environmental levies.
Key initiatives proposed in the plan include the design and support of prototype landfills for local authorities, investment in mobile recycling stations to increase waste collection efficiency, public awareness campaigns on environmental sustainability and incentive schemes for individuals who deliver plastic waste to recycling facilities.
“These initiatives are designed to curb plastic waste and reduce the overall environmental impact footprint in urban and rural areas alike," he said.
Muyunda explained further that in Namibia, where many depend on natural resources for their livelihoods, the importance of environmental preservation and sustainability cannot be overstated.
“Our environment provides essential resources such as food, water,and energy, yet it is increasingly under threat from challenges including biodiversity loss and climate change."
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