Justicia Shipena
Namibia has been identified as one of 20 high-priority countries for industrial decarbonisation support under the Climate Investment Funds’ (CIF) Industry Decarbonization Program (IDP), following the country’s submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI).
The CIF report, titled CIF Industry Decarbonisation Investment Independent Expert Group Assessment Report, lists countries eligible for future climate financing and technical assistance based on their industrial decarbonisation needs and qualification for International Development Association (IDA) support.
Namibia’s inclusion reflects growing concern over its rising industrial emissions and suggests that it requires targeted support.
The country is undergoing rapid energy sector changes, including new green hydrogen projects, which increase the urgency to align growth with climate commitments.
Along with countries such as Mozambique, Senegal, and Zambia, Namibia faces the challenge of boosting industrial output while cutting emissions.
Many of these countries lack the resources and capacity to adopt large-scale clean technologies or energy-efficient solutions on their own.
While Namibia has made progress in renewable energy and green hydrogen, the report notes that more focused support is necessary.
Key areas include adopting energy-efficient technologies, building emissions monitoring systems, and developing low-carbon industrial policies.
The report also points out that the World Bank Group has historically underinvested in sectors such as cement, steel, and chemicals.
These are industries likely to grow as Namibia and other countries industrialise.
It recommends that future support be more structured, combining energy access, climate finance, and private sector growth.
Being identified as a priority country could position Namibia to benefit from World Bank technical assistance, concessional financing, and policy advice under its climate strategy through 2030.
The CIF Industry Decarbonisation Program received 26 expressions of interest from eligible countries.
Namibia’s submission was assessed by an Independent Expert Group (IEG), which used a multi-phase review process and seven weighted criteria: Vision and Ambition; Alignment and Complementarity; Implementation and Relevance; MDBs Partnership; Leadership and Institutional Coordination; Private Sector Engagement and Mobilisation; and Social Inclusion, Stakeholder Engagement, and Gender Equality.
The IEG, made up of six independent experts in energy transitions, finance, development economics, and social inclusion, aims to provide a clear and fair comparison of proposals.
Its recommendations will guide the CIF Trust Fund Committee in determining which countries should move forward with investment planning and technical support.
The report calls for urgency, stating that decisions made over the next five years will be critical for shaping Namibia’s low-carbon industrial future.
It urges deeper engagement with local stakeholders and better alignment with national development goals.
