Creative Entrepreneurship Hackathon 2025

On March 5–6, 2025, the hackathon “Hack the Heritage, Growing Digital” took place in Windhoek. Participants from different generations and regions took part in the event. A total of 13 ideas were developed under the guidance of Estonian and local experts. University lecturers who had participated in the Estonian training held in August the previous year as part of the same project were actively involved in the process and tested the methodology.

Led by Estonian experts, the hackathon covered key topics such as copyright, overtourism, entrepreneurial skills, commercialization of heritage, preservation and appreciation of local languages, contemporary use of heritage, business models, and value propositions. A highlight of the event was a presentation by Phillip Martin, a business analyst at Namibia’s DNB Bank, who provided valuable insights into how projects can be funded in Namibia and under what conditions.

The ideas developed during the hackathon were diverse—from the organic cultivation of traditional medicinal plants, popularizing indigenous arts, and preserving tribal languages, to introducing children to traditional clothing and educating tourists about local customs and culture. The project presentations were particularly surprising and captivating, delivered in the form of theatrical performances, dance, and group singing.

A jury composed of representatives from both Estonia and Namibia highlighted three standout ideas: a digital platform to showcase the works of local artists, an e-book preserving the fabric and textile-making skills of grandmothers, and dolls designed to introduce children to traditional clothing and customs.

^{Participants of the creative entrepreneurship hackathon, 2025}

Opening remarks at the hackathon were delivered by Kristiina Alliksaar, Secretary General of the Estonian Ministry of Culture, who was on an official visit to Namibia. Estonian experts participating in the event included Ave Matsin, Jorma Sarv, and Virgo Sillamaa from the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy, and Ragnar Siil from Creativity Lab. Sven-Erik Soosaar from the Institute of the Estonian Language provided guidance on language-related topics, and the hackathon was led by Toomas Roolaid.

The hackathon was part of the project “Developing heritage-based digital skills and entrepreneurship in Namibia through curriculum enhancement” (June 2024 – March 2025), led by Creative Estonia and funded by ESTDEV.