The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) will lead a €2m EU-funded project aimed at addressing the country’s skills gap in renewable energy.
The Ignite project will upskill 300 unemployed technical and vocational education and training graduates, train 40 qualified trainers, and update qualifications to meet industry requirements. Funding will be disbursed over a 24-month period beginning in October 2025.
Namibia recorded an overall strict unemployment rate of 37% in 2023, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency, underlining the challenge of building a workforce ready for the green hydrogen sector.
Speaking at a ceremony held at the Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology campus, Jozef Sikela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, said the grant would help “[shape] the workforce” that can drive Namibia’s green future.
“Together, the EU and Namibia are building something remarkable – a green hydrogen industry that can make your country a global leader in this modern, sustainable industry.”
The EU has identified Namibia as a strategic partner under its Global Gateway initiative, which has already mobilised €1.3bn in loans and grants for the country’s green hydrogen sector. Germany has separately committed €40m for capacity building and pilot projects, alongside support for Hyphgen – set to become Africa’s largest hydrogen venture.
Namibia has laid out ambitious plans to kickstart its hydrogen industry. The country’s desert climate delivers more than 300 days of sunshine a year – and near Arandis 44,000 solar panels already take advantage of the resource.
Earlier this month, Namibia-based Cleanergy Solutions launched what is claimed to be the country’s first integrated green hydrogen plant in partnership with Belgium’s CMB-Tech and the Ohlthaver & List Group.
According to the Green Hydrogen Organisation, an estimated $190bn investment will be needed by 2040 to fully establish Namibia’s hydrogen sector.
Why Namibia?
High solar and wind potential
Namibia receives some of the world’s best solar irradiation – more than 3,500 hours of sunshine annually – and strong coastal winds, providing an ideal mix for renewable energy for hydrogen production.
Abundant land and low population density
With vast areas of uninhabited land and a population of just 2.6 million, Namibia can host large-scale renewable projects with relatively limited impact on communities or agriculture.
Strategic location for exports
Its Atlantic coast gives access to major shipping routes. It could Europe with a potential low-carbon hydrogen supplier just 10 days by sea away, compared with around 30 days from Australia.
