Namibia has launched a new green hydrogen project aimed at building a low-carbon economy while ensuring women, young people and local communities benefit from the country’s transition to clean energy.
The initiative was unveiled on Wednesday during the launch of the GEF-UNIDO Namibia Child Project in Windhoek, where government officials, United Nations representatives and development partners said the country’s green hydrogen ambitions must create local jobs and economic opportunities alongside attracting investment, Windhoek Observer reported.
The project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented with support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), is designed to strengthen Namibia’s policy framework, institutional capacity, technical expertise and environmental safeguards as the country develops its green hydrogen sector.
Sikongo Haihambo, Executive Director in the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and GEF Operational Focal Point, said the initiative supports Namibia’s long-term development plans, including Vision 2030, the Sixth National Development Plan, the Green Industrialisation Blueprint and the Namibia Green Hydrogen and Derivatives Strategy.
He said the country has already made progress by establishing the Green Industries Council, the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme and several major projects. However, he stressed that stronger regulations, technical skills and institutional capacity will be essential to ensure the industry develops in a sustainable and well-managed manner.
According to Haihambo, the project will improve policy coordination, strengthen technical capabilities, support environmental management and encourage knowledge sharing. It is also expected to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while attracting responsible investment into the sector.
He said the initiative would help turn Namibia’s green hydrogen ambitions into practical outcomes and ensure industrial development contributes to both climate goals and local economic growth.
United Nations Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo said the success of Namibia’s green hydrogen transition should be measured by the opportunities it creates for people rather than by technological progress alone.
She said women and young people should be involved in shaping the country’s green industrial future from the beginning instead of being included only after key decisions have been made.
Phororo also called for greater efforts to introduce schoolchildren to renewable energy, climate technologies and green industries at an early age to inspire future careers in the sector. She said developing aspirations is just as important as developing technical skills.
She added that a fair energy transition should ensure rural communities, women, unemployed youth, persons with disabilities and people living near project sites all benefit from new economic opportunities.
Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia Chief Executive Officer Benedict Libanda said the fund will oversee implementation of the project, including financial management, reporting and coordination with stakeholders.
Libanda said the fund will work closely with UNIDO, government agencies and the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme to ensure the project is implemented transparently and delivers results that support the country’s climate and industrial development goals.
The Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme also said it will help align the project with national development priorities while supporting policy development, stakeholder engagement, pilot projects and investment readiness.
