Vice President highlights Green Hydrogen Initiative at Global Summit
Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized the critical role of the late President Dr. Hage G. Geingob, in championing the country’s Green Hydrogen and Green Industrialization initiatives during her address at the Global African Hydrogen Summit. She noted that without his passionate leadership, Namibia might not have had the honour of hosting this significant event, which has attracted over 1,000 delegates from around the world.
Speaking on behalf of President Nangolo Mbumba, Nandi-Ndaitwah welcomed the international delegates, expressing Namibia’s pride in hosting the summit and offering the nation’s warm hospitality. She highlighted Namibia’s strategic focus on sustainable industrialisation, rooted in the country’s Vision 2030 and reinforced through subsequent National Development Plans and the Harambee Prosperity Plan.
“Environmental protection in Namibia is not only a natural responsibility but a constitutional obligation,” Nandi-Ndaitwah stated. She underlined the importance of green hydrogen as a key element in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development. Namibia’s recently launched Green Industrialisation Blueprint, she explained, outlines how new industrial complexes powered by renewable energy could create jobs, diversify the economy, and increase electricity and clean water production, while balancing economic growth with ecological preservation.
The Vice President also pointed to Namibia’s rich deposits of minerals essential for clean industries, its abundant wind and solar resources, and its well-developed infrastructure as key factors that make the country an ideal location for emerging green industries. She encouraged the global community to explore investment opportunities in Namibia, stressing that the nation is open for business that benefits both development and investors.
Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged the progress made by other African nations in green hydrogen initiatives, citing Egypt, Mauritania, and Kenya as examples of countries making strides in this transformative industry. She expressed optimism about the discussions to come at the summit and praised the organisers, including dmg events, Vasco da Gama Energies, the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, and the Namibian Green Hydrogen Programme, for their efforts in bringing the summit to fruition.
She further highlighted the inclusion of 100 young Namibians at the summit, commending the organisers for recognising the youth as critical enablers of the green hydrogen industry. “The youth are the assets that we have in Namibia and Africa,” she affirmed, underscoring the importance of involving the next generation in this transformative sector.