Justicia Shipena
Namibian renewable energy startup Kaoko Green Energy Solutions Pty Ltd has been selected to join the pre-acceleration program at 500 Global, one of the world’s leading venture capital firms and startup accelerators.
The programme, held in partnership with Timbuktoo Africa and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), brings together emerging entrepreneurs from across the continent.
The first Pre-Acceleration Academy supports founders at the earliest stage of their journey through an in-person programme that started on Monday and will conclude this weekend. Kaoko is represented by its co-founder, Gerson Hakey Nasau.
500 Global is known for backing more than 5 000 founders across over 80 countries, with well-known success stories such as Canva, Grab, and Udemy among its alumni.
Last November, Kaoko Green Energy Solutions was part of the inaugural GreenTech cohort of Timbuktoo Africa by UNDP.
It was the only Namibian startup selected for the initiative, chosen from over 600 applicants to join an elite group shaping Africa’s green future.
The startup’s selection by 500 Global is viewed as a breakthrough for the Namibian startup ecosystem, showing that local ventures can compete and grow on the global stage.
“This opportunity is not only a milestone for Kaoko Green Energy Solutions (Pty) Ltd but also a signal of what’s possible for the Namibian startup ecosystem. It shows that ventures from our region can compete and thrive on the world stage, attracting global expertise,” Kaoko said on Thursday.
Kaoko Green Energy Solutions focuses on marine renewables and e-fuels for maritime decarbonisation, developing technologies that support Africa’s green transition while creating jobs and building local resilience.
The startup expressed gratitude to Timbuktoo Africa, UNDP, and 500 Global for supporting African innovation.
“We remain committed to leveraging this platform to scale renewable solutions and build a sustainable future for Namibia and the continent,” it said.
