Germany withdraws N$200 million grant for Windhoek's sustainable urban mobility project
The German government has withdrawn an estimated N$200 million grant intended for Windhoek's sustainable urban mobility project. This funding, secured in October 2021 through German development bank KfW, was initially for a non-motorised transport network, including bicycle lanes. A feasibility study conducted between November 2024 and April 2025 indicated that the projected increase in non-motorised transport and the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions would not meet the required thresholds for German climate-financing. Germany then requested an alternative project that met climate impact requirements. In response, Windhoek submitted an electric bus project proposal in October 2025, which was reviewed by KfW and discussed with the Development Bank of Namibia. Despite these efforts, the German government ultimately decided to withdraw the grant, impacting Windhoek's plans for public transport and sustainable alternatives.
