The Capricorn Foundation and its partners have officially launched the Agripreneurial Innovation Challenge, a national initiative designed to support job-creating, climate-smart innovation across Namibia's agriculture value chain. The launch took place on Monday, 13 April 2026, at CcHub in Windhoek and brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, development partners and private sector stakeholders committed to strengthening food systems and local value chains.
The Challenge is implemented in partnership with the Capricorn Foundation, Basecamp Business Incubator, the Network for Global Innovation (NGIN) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). It provides a structured platform for early-stage innovators and entrepreneurs to test ideas and offers mentorship and support to develop practical solutions that address unemployment, food security and sustainability.
The Agripreneurial Innovation Challenge is a structured initiative that will run for four months. It offers a comprehensive approach that combines learning opportunities, targeted mentorship, and practical, hands-on support for participants. By focusing on agricultural innovation, the Challenge aims to equip entrepreneurs and early-stage innovators with the skills and guidance needed to develop solutions to critical challenges in the sector.
The initiative reflects the Capricorn Foundation's strong belief in open innovation as a powerful platform for addressing complex social and economic challenges. By creating inclusive, collaborative spaces where diverse ideas can be shared, tested and refined, open innovation enables practical, context-specific solutions to emerge. This approach has been consistently demonstrated through the Foundation's Food Waste Challenges in 2023 and 2024, which invited innovators to develop solutions to reduce food loss and improve food system efficiency, as well as its involvement in the Water and Energy Efficiency Challenge in 2025. Through these platforms, the Foundation has harnessed collective thinking and innovation to tackle real-world challenges in a practical and scalable way, reinforcing its commitment to co-creation as a driver of sustainable development.
Speaking at the launch, Tarina Biewenga, Head: Marketing and Communication at Capricorn Asset Management and member of the Capricorn Foundation's management committee, said the challenge lies in creating access and opportunity for Namibian entrepreneurs.
“We believe strongly in the potential that exists within our communities. Through platforms like the Agripreneurial Innovation Challenge, we are opening doors for innovators to turn ideas into practical, job-creating solutions that strengthen food systems and support inclusive economic growth," she said.
Rikus Grobler, Innovation Manager at Capricorn Group, said, “Innovation only matters when it is implemented and creates real impact. The Agripreneurial Innovation Challenge is about moving beyond ideas and enabling entrepreneurs to build sustainable, job-creating businesses in Namibia. By focusing on practical solutions across the agricultural value chain, we are not only addressing food security but also unlocking economic opportunities and supporting a more resilient and inclusive future. This initiative reflects the kind of innovation Namibia needs, which is purposeful, scalable, and rooted in real change."
Fred Walti, CEO of the Network for Global Innovation, commented on partners' strong commitment and what is made possible through collaboration.
He said, “The Challenge reflects the power of strong partnerships. Working alongside the Capricorn Foundation, UNIDO, Basecamp and other key stakeholders, we are creating a platform that connects local entrepreneurial talent with the support, networks and opportunities needed to build sustainable businesses. Namibia has immense potential, and through this collaboration, we aim to translate innovation into real impact, driving job creation, strengthening food systems and enabling scalable solutions that can extend beyond Namibia's borders."
The Agripreneurial Innovation Challenge also aims to strengthen collaboration between innovators, ecosystem partners and the private sector, encouraging mentorship, piloting and the scaling of solutions that work within Namibia's unique agricultural context.
Applications for the Challenge are now open, with entrepreneurs from the idea stage through to the growth-stage enterprises encouraged to apply. Selected participants will gain access to expert support, networks and development opportunities designed to help translate innovation into sustainable businesses that contribute to livelihoods, resilience and long-term economic participation.
For more information and application details, visit aicnamib.awardsplatform.com or email info@basecamphub.com.
