12 women are being trained through TUI Futureshapers Namibia to become drivers and tour guides with the new fleet of electric vehicles in Windhoek. The initiative is being launched as part of the TUI Care Foundation’s October Entrepreneurship October, a month dedicated to highlighting support for sustainable businesses in tourism destinations.
In Namibia, where unemployment rates are high and vehicles are predominantly gas-powered, TUI Futureshapers Namibia aims to break barriers and create jobs by training women as drivers and tour guides. The new initiative addresses socio-economic challenges and promotes environmental conservation by replacing gas-powered vehicles with electric ones.
This pioneering initiative, which is a partnership with local start-up LEFA, is aimed at transforming the transportation sector in Windhoek, Namibia. The project focuses on sustainable transportation, female empowerment and socio-economic progress by introducing a fleet of ten electric vehicles in Windhoek, driven exclusively by skilled female drivers. Women will receive training to become professional tour guides and to offer unique and enriching tours of Windhoek to locals and international visitors. LEFA is one of TUI Care Foundation’s first partners to be supported through a low-cost loan rather than a grant.
By empowering women in this traditionally male-dominated field, the programme helps to reshape societal norms and advance gender equality. The female guides will preserve Namibia’s rich cultural heritage whilst also providing diverse perspectives and authentic experiences to tourists. In doing so, the participants will contribute to boosting local tourism and economic inclusion.
The initiative also supports local economic growth by creating new job opportunities in electric vehicle maintenance and the renewable energy sectors. Additionally, the project will drive infrastructure development by expanding the number of electric vehicle charging stations and encouraging innovation. Overall, the programme is expected to support 100 livelihoods throughout its implementation.
About TUI Futureshaper
TUI Futureshaper Namibia is a part of the global TUI Futureshapers Programme, which is empowering people to turn social challenges into entrepreneurial opportunities in destinations such as Cape Verde, Zanzibar, Senegal, Portugal, Greece and Tunisia.
About TUI Care Foundation
The TUI Care Foundation’s ‘Entrepreneurship October‘ is a month of activities dedicated to supporting sustainable businesses in tourism destinations. Through a series of project launches, it highlights the importance of empowering small businesses in tourism destinations with a holistic approach of financial assistance, mentoring and access to the tourism market.