Justicia Shipena
The data collected through Hyphen Hydrogen Energy’s newly launched Green Hydrogen Skills Census will guide training programmes.
The data will also align education with industry demand to ensure Namibians benefit directly from the country’s green energy transition.
Hyphen officially launched the Census on Thursday at its head office in Windhoek.
The initiative is a core part of the company’s baseline studies and National Skills Audit under the feasibility and implementation agreement with the government.
The census is designed to capture existing skills across the country and match them with the skills needed for Hyphen’s green hydrogen project during construction and operations.
Namibians can register their skills and upload supporting documents, forming the basis of a national job seekers database for the sector.
Hyphen said the data will shape its workforce development strategy and support partnerships with training institutions, technical education providers, and socio-economic agencies.
The approach is carried out in collaboration with the government and reflects a shared goal of inclusive and sustainable development.
The Hyphen project in the ||Kharas Region is expected to create about 15 000 jobs during construction and 3 000 permanent jobs during operations.
Hyphen called on Namibians, especially the youth, to register on the platform and take part.
Meanwhile, deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Dino Ballotti said Hyphen is investing in practical measures to empower Namibians.
“Hyphen is investing in real, tangible efforts to ensure that as many Namibians as possible are meaningfully included and empowered to participate in the green hydrogen opportunity. Recognising that this will be an evolving journey requiring partnership, patience, and persistence. One such effort is what brings us together today. Namibia’s emerging green hydrogen ecosystem requires a wide and interconnected set of skills. Entire new career pathways will be born from this opportunity,” he said.
Youth representative and co-founder of the Namibian Youth on Renewable Energy, Deon Shekuza, said the census empowers young people to be part of the workforce.
“Namibia’s youth are the cornerstone of our green hydrogen workforce. Through the voluntary contribution skills census, we are empowering young people to showcase their talents,” he said.
Martin Wilkinson of Hyphen said the programmes informed by the Census will build local capacity.
“These programmes will empower and employ Namibians, building local capacity. As Hyphen and Namibia embark on this ambitious, innovative, and groundbreaking green hydrogen initiative, a diverse and well-trained workforce is critical to its construction, operation, and ultimate success,” he said.
The Hyphen project, valued at about US$10 billion (approximately N$183 billion), is expected to produce 350 000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually once fully developed.
The project aimed to replace between five and six million tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.
Caption
Hyphen SED launch group picture with the youth ambassadors.
-Photo: Contributed
