Windhoek: The African Development Bank (AfDB) has pledged funding for Namibia's green hydrogen project and urban electrification drive under the National Energy Compact, launched in Windhoek on Thursday. The initiative is a part of Mission 300, which aims to connect 300 million people to electricity across Africa by 2030.

According to Namibia Press Agency, AfDB's regional sector manager for energy, Farai Kanonda, announced that the bank has approved a N.dollars 10 million project preparation facility for Hyphen Hydrogen Energy Limited, which is developing the green hydrogen project. The bank is also supporting the City of Windhoek's peri-urban electrification drive, targeting approximately 40,000 households. Kanonda highlighted that more than half of households still rely on traditional cooking fuels, impacting health, gender equity, and environmental sustainability.

The Compact sets ambitious targets to achieve 70 percent electrification and 61 percent clean cooking access by 2030. It also seeks to increase renewable energy generation from 54 percent to 70 percent, supported by private investment and enhanced local capacity. Kanonda emphasized that the AfDB views the Compact as an economic transformation framework, with green hydrogen at the center of industrial development, job creation, and regional energy integration.

Yadviga Viktorivna Semikolenova, practice manager for energy and extractives for eastern and Southern Africa at the World Bank, also spoke at the event, noting that Namibia has positioned itself as a committed participant in Mission 300. She acknowledged Namibia's clear implementation plan and political support, which underscores its serious commitment to the mission. The World Bank will continue its support for Namibia through planning, electrification programs, concessional financing, and investor engagement under Mission 300.