By: Tom Alweendo
We recently attended the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam which is a city in the Netherlands.
In 2021 our late president Dr Hage G. Geingob embraced the vast opportunities that hydrogen would unlock for Namibia and his vision which was ahead of its time is now coming into fruition.
Here are key points from my speech at the summit on the potential hydrogen holds for Africa and Namibia in particular:
Namibia is on an adventurous journey to partake in the global commitment to decarbonisation which was established at COP26 in 2020.
And we are not alone in this, as a continent Africa is making significant strides with the African Green Hydrogen Alliance now boasting 10 members with countries like Morocco, Kenya, South Africa, and Mauritania leading with impressive green hydrogen initiatives.
It is now our obligation to play an important role in telling our unique narrative on this versatile molecule. Globally there’s been an urgency to address the climate change issue and this has caused an uptick in strategic funding.
As such investments in low-carbon energy have surged by 17% in 2023, reaching $1.8 trillion as such assets with strong green credentials are ever more attractive to global investors.
Africa’s rich endowment of critical minerals needed for clean energy industries presents a unique opportunity. Coupled with green hydrogen, this can drive long-lasting prosperity and boost intra-African trade.
In Namibia’s Green Industrialisation Blueprint, we’ve identified the challenges that have hindered our growth since 2015.
These include a polarised labour market, limited skills in competitive industries, and over-reliance on public investment.
Addressing these constraints is essential for unlocking Namibia’s full economic potential and fostering inclusive growth for all citizens.
Green industrialization offers a pathway to a thriving manufacturing and service sector, higher-skill industries, regional integration, and a knowledge-based economy.
Tom Alweendo is the Minister of Mines and Energy. The views expressed here do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editorial board or The Villager and its owners.
