Chamwe Kaira
Namibia will take part in the ‘Financing a Clean and Equitable Industry Decarbonisation’ dialogue next week in Busan, South Korea.
The head of the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGHP2), James Mnyupe, will represent the country.
The NGHP2 said the dialogue set to take place on 25 August comes at an important time following Namibia’s recent success in securing Climate Investment Funds (CIF) support under the Industry Decarbonisation Programme.
With this backing, Namibia is now developing a sectoral transformation investment plan to drive green industrialisation and decarbonisation.
So far, Namibia has attracted about N$2.08 billion in investment for green hydrogen projects, covering pilot initiatives, commercial developments, and technical consultancy work.
The Busan meeting is hosted by the CIF, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
According to the NGHP2, the event will highlight global efforts to decarbonise high-emitting industries and explore how these efforts can be coordinated in emerging markets and developing economies.
The discussion will focus on how to accelerate the decarbonisation of sectors such as cement, steel, and petrochemicals while aligning financing needs.
One of the key milestones in Namibia’s green hydrogen journey was the commissioning of HyIron–Oshivela near Arandis in March.
The project began producing sub-Saharan Africa’s first green hydrogen-powered iron.
Another step forward was the completion of the Neckartal Dam Fertiliser Green Scheme feasibility study.
The study confirmed that building an ammonia-and-fertiliser plant near the dam would align with its agricultural purpose, reduce fertiliser imports, boost food security, and support agricultural exports.
A cross-border hydrogen pipeline pre-feasibility study also confirmed the potential of linking hubs in Lüderitz, Boegoebaai, and Saldanha Bay, extending to Gauteng through an eastern corridor.
The study said this would create a resilient hydrogen infrastructure in Southern Africa.
Mnyupe is also accompanying prime minister Elijah Ngurare at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Japan.
Japan’s support to Namibia is focused on accelerating economic development, reducing poverty, and improving rural livelihoods.
During TICAD 9, Japan is expected to unveil a plan to accelerate the development of the Nacala Corridor.
The initiative, which began in 2012, supports Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia through investment programmes, loans, and official development assistance. The three-day conference is being hosted in Yokohama.
Caption
Namibia has attracted green hydrogen projects worth N$2.08 billion.
