James Mnyupe’s sudden resignation from Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Programme is more than a routine personnel change, it is a serious blow to one of the most promising economic ventures this country has ever embarked upon. Let’s call it what it is: an initiator of a whole new industry is walking away mid-stream, and that cannot be good for Namibia.
Mnyupe was not just another advisor tucked away in State House. He was the architect and chief salesman of Namibia’s green hydrogen dream. With a rare blend of financial expertise, CA, CFA, CFP, and an unmatched grasp of how global capital flows work, he convinced investors and governments that Namibia could be a serious player in the race for green fuels. It is through his relentless work that international companies and development financiers began to see our desert sun and Atlantic winds as a potential powerhouse for a decarbonising world.
When someone of that calibre walks away while the plan is still on the drawing board, it sends an unmistakable warning signal. Investors do not like uncertainty, and they do not bet billions on projects that look politically fragile or poorly managed.
This is not the time to sugar-coat. The departure of the very person who built confidence in our hydrogen ambitions is a flashing red light. In a world where Chile, Saudi Arabia, Australia and others are scrambling to lead the green hydrogen race, Namibia cannot afford to give the impression that it cannot hold onto the talent that made this vision credible.
Foreign partners will now ask: if Namibia cannot even keep the architect of its signature energy initiative, how stable is the policy environment? Why commit to long-term contracts when the champion of the programme has been allowed or perhaps forced to leave?
This moment exposes a deeper national weakness: our inability to nurture and retain exceptional talent unless it fits neatly into political alignment or factional comfort. Too often, we let our best and brightest drift away, whether out of frustration, neglect or petty politics. And make no mistake, if we do not appreciate and protect our own, others will scoop them up.
Mnyupe’s skill set is global; he will not wait around to be second-guessed or undermined. Somewhere out there, another government or global corporation is already making him an offer. Namibia, on the other hand, is left scrambling to explain why it could not keep the very mind that put us on the global green hydrogen map.
Yes, the Green Hydrogen Programme is bigger than one man on paper. Agreements have been signed, feasibility studies launched, and the Hyphen project is in motion. But markets are moved by trust, not just paperwork. The loss of a key driver at this stage risks slowing momentum and eroding the confidence that Namibia painstakingly built.
Green hydrogen is a ruthless global race. Any hint of hesitation or instability will push investors to more predictable jurisdictions. Competitors will not wait for us to get our house in order.
This resignation should jolt Namibia’s leadership into serious introspection. We cannot keep squandering human capital and then act surprised when projects falter. We need to build institutions that value competence above political loyalty and create an environment where talent is not merely tolerated but celebrated and retained.
Our future cannot depend on slogans and speeches while the people who can actually deliver leave in frustration or are quietly pushed out. The lesson is simple: if we do not nurture and appreciate our talent, others will. And when they do, we will be left with empty plans and missed opportunities.
Namibia’s green hydrogen dream can still survive, but only if we act quickly and decisively. Government must immediately communicate a clear succession plan, reassure investors, and demonstrate that the programme is anchored in strong, depoliticised institutions.
More importantly, we must confront the uncomfortable truth: talent retention is not a luxury; it is a matter of national survival. If we keep bleeding our brightest minds because of ego or politics, we will continue to watch our grand visions unravel while other nations turn their plans into profit.
James Mnyupe’s exit is a warning. Ignore it, and Namibia’s boldest economic ambition could wither before it truly begins.
