City of Windhoek: Hackathon Addressing the Water Crisis

Change Vision: Addressing the Water Crisis in Windhoek
Windhoek, like many cities in the Global South, is running out of water, with its most vulnerable populations bearing the brunt of this critical issue. The problem goes beyond scarcity—water contamination, disrupted natural flows from urban development, and poor retention exacerbate the crisis. This hackathon was born out of a shared urgency to tackle this growing challenge, with the goal of fostering solutions that address the root causes and engage the community in co-creation.

Action: A Local Hackathon for Collaborative Solutions
To address the crisis, Måndag and Turipamwe brought together a diverse group of participants: knowledge holders, researchers, companies, students, and creatives. Over the course of a few days, this dynamic group collaborated to identify core issues and propose practical solutions tailored to Windhoek’s unique challenges. The hackathon focused on creating actionable models that could be implemented across different sectors while also emphasizing the value of cross-disciplinary dialogue and cooperation. As a pilot project, it provided a much-needed platform for global public sector representatives and local citizens to exchange ideas, an opportunity rarely afforded in such contexts.

Impact: Co-Creating a Sustainable Future
The hackathon didn’t just generate innovative solutions—it sparked a movement of collaboration and co-creation in Windhoek. Practical models and key solutions were identified, forming a foundation for addressing the water crisis at multiple levels. Beyond the immediate outcomes, the event fostered stronger connections between diverse groups, proving that community-driven initiatives can lead to meaningful change. With plans to expand this pilot into a comprehensive program, the hackathon stands as an important step in addressing water scarcity while empowering the people of Windhoek to shape a sustainable future together.