WINDHOEK — Namibia’s Vice President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has stressed the importance of Namibia’s continued role in advancing green hydrogen and sustainable industrialization. Speaking at the inaugural Global African Hydrogen Summit, Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted Namibia’s initiatives and strategic goals in the context of Africa’s broader environmental and economic strategies.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the summit, which opened in Windhoek and saw the participation of over 1,000 delegates globally, was convened as part of an initiative started by the late President Hage Geingob. She underscored Namibia’s dedication to sustainable industrialization, a policy priority since gaining independence. This commitment is embedded in Vision 2030, the National Development Plans initiated in 2004, and the Harambee Prosperity Plan, aligning with the continent-wide Africa Agenda 2063.

Namibia’s strategy includes leveraging its vast renewable energy resources to produce hydrogen, which is seen as critical to addressing climate change and boosting development in sectors that are difficult to decarbonize. “The utilization of abundant renewable energy potential to produce hydrogen, which can be used as a fundamental building block for hard-to-abate sectors, has emerged as a promising means to combat climate change, while also offering an important developmental pathway,” Nandi-Ndaitwah explained.

She also detailed Namibia’s rich resources and infrastructure enhancements to support green industrialization. The nation boasts significant deposits of critical minerals like rare earth elements and lithium and plays a crucial role in the copper trade with Zambia, facilitated by its expanding port and rail infrastructure aimed at improving the trade in low-carbon goods.

The three-day summit, themed ‘From Ambition to Action: Fueling Africa’s Green Industrial Revolution,’ features discussions among heads of state and key industry players focused on transforming Africa’s industrial landscape through sustainable practices.