Allexer Namundjembo
Applications for the Youth for Green Hydrogen Scholarship Programme are now open, backed by an investment of N$25 million to support students from the Hardap and ||Karas regions, vice president Lucia Witbooi said.
Witbooi on Wednesday launched the third call for applications at Reverend Dr Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi Primary School in Gibeon, //Karas Region.
The funding will provide targeted skills training for young people, particularly school-leavers, unemployed youth, and individuals from disadvantaged communities.
The programme focuses on building skills aligned with Namibia’s green hydrogen plans.
“Today’s occasion marks not only a significant investment in our young people but also a powerful step forward in ensuring that the opportunities of the green hydrogen economy reach all corners of our nation, especially those historically left behind,” said Witbooi.
She said the programme reflects a national commitment to inclusion and regional development.
“This is your moment, your time to rise and take full advantage of this opportunity.”
The Namibian and German governments support the Youth for Green Hydrogen Scholarship Programme through the Joint Communiqué of Intent. Since its launch in 2022, over 180 Namibians have benefited.
Witbooi stressed the importance of investing in people to match the country’s infrastructure plans.
“Namibia is on the cusp of transforming its economy through green hydrogen and its related industries. But to realise this vision, we must invest in people. Infrastructure without skills is like a car without a driver,full of potential but unable to move forward.”
She encouraged youth to take part.
“This scholarship is for you. Your dreams, your talents, and your contributions are not only needed, they are essential.”
The scholarship covers training in welding and boiler making, solar installation and maintenance, automotive mechatronics, electrical engineering, and plumbing.
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and meet academic requirements. A six-month TVET bridging course is available for those who need it.
Witbooi said the application process will be simple and supported.
“We are bringing the opportunity to you, to your towns, your villages, your people,” she said. “No one should be left out simply because they do not have access to information or internet connectivity,” she said.
Minister of education, innovation, youth, sports, and culture, Sanet Steenkamp, described the programme as a step toward change.
“Today marks a new chapter, one of empowerment, inclusion, and future-readiness,” she said. “It is a strategic act of faith in our young people and a national response to both a global call for cleaner energy and a local demand for skills, equity, and economic participation.”
She said the programme supports National Development Plan 6, which places green industrialisation at the centre of Namibia’s long-term growth.
“We are preparing welders, mechatronics technicians, solar installers, plumbers, and builders of Namibia’s green hydrogen future.”
She added that the country’s green economy will be built locally.
“We will not build Namibia’s green economy from Windhoek alone. It will be built right here, in our towns and villages, by our youth.”
German deputy ambassador Florian Seitz, regional governors, councillors, traditional leaders, and members of the local community attended the launch.
