Justicia Shipena
More than 140 Namibian companies have submitted proposals for green industrialisation projects.
Green Hydrogen Programme interim head Joseph Mukendwa said the submissions followed a national call for proposals issued last year and closed earlier this year.
“These proposals extend far beyond hydrogen production,” he said during the Climate Investment Funds Industry Decarbonisation Programme engagement in Walvis Bay on Tuesday.
Mukendwa said there were plans to decarbonise transport, produce green chemicals and fertilisers and support local manufacturing of renewable energy components.
The call for proposals under the African Development Bank’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa Green Hydrogen Programme closed on 10 April.
Up to US$20 million, about N$360 million, was made available for three to five projects.
The funding is structured as reimbursable grants for early-stage work such as feasibility studies, engineering design and advisory services.
The aim is to help projects reach financial close by reducing early risks.
The programme is supported by the German government and forms part of efforts to grow Africa’s green hydrogen sector. Only projects with strong technical and commercial readiness are expected to qualify.
Mukendwa said the number of proposals shows a growing ecosystem in Namibia’s green industrial space.
The Erongo region already hosts about six active projects focused on green hydrogen and related industries, including HyIron, Cleanergy, Hydrogène de France, Daures Green Hydrogen Village and Zhero.
He said the next step is to assess and refine proposals to build a pipeline of projects ready for investment.
“The goal is to develop a robust pipeline of bankable projects that will form part of the Sectoral Transformation Investment Plan,” he said.
He said the projects must create jobs, support growth and deliver benefits for Namibians.
Walvis Bay mayor Johannes Shimbilinga said Walvis Bay plays a key role as Namibia’s main port and a gateway for regional trade.
“Your presence here reflects a shared commitment to shaping a resilient, low-carbon future for our town, our region, and our country,” he said.
The engagement focused on moving from discussion to implementation and on developing a strategic transformation investment plan.
Participants discussed project priorities, financing, infrastructure and policy needs.
Shimbilinga said the outcomes will help build a pipeline of projects that can attract international funding.
He said Walvis Bay will play a key role in the green hydrogen programme through port services, logistics, desalination and industrial development.
