Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGHP) unfurled an array of groundbreaking initiatives set to transform the nation’s energy landscape this year.
In a strategic move, NGHP announced the appointment of seven seasoned executives, reinforcing its commitment to visionary leadership.
James Mnyupe, Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Commissioner, is the driving force behind these developments. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to oversee ambitious program initiatives.
Mnyupe, at the forefront of transparency, affirmed that NGHP will continue its high-profile, in-person media briefings.
The first of 2024 is scheduled for the last week of March where details of the comprehensive three-year strategic working plan and mandate will be unveiled.
Collaborating with the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade, and SMEs Development, NGHP introduced the Green Industrialisation Blueprint.
Mnyupe emphasised its potential to position Namibia as a hub for clean manufacturing, diversified exports, and increased employment opportunities.
The blueprint is set to be presented to the Cabinet in March 2024.
“It outlines key infrastructure development and novel industrial clusters. If endorsed, the Blueprint will be released to the public, showcasing Namibia’s potential as a hub for clean manufacturing, diversified exports, and increased employment opportunities,” Mnyupes stated.
Looking to attract investors, he said NGHP, in collaboration with the Namibian Government, plans to launch a market-sounding exercise by the end of 2nd Quarter of 2024.
This initiative aligns with the recent announcement of Special Economic Zones in the 2024 Budget Speech by Minister Iipumbu Shiimi, aiming to gauge investor interest in developing assets crucial for cost-effective production.
Furthermore, Sustainability takes centre stage as NGHP collaborates with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism to commission a Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) for the envisioned green hydrogen valleys. Scheduled for the second Quarter of 2024, the SESA will scrutinise environmental and social implications over 12 to 18 months, ensuring a sustainable approach to the program.
A significant boost to sustainable development comes in the form of a USD 1 million grant from the USAID Southern Africa Mobilising Investment project. Nam-H2, a subsidiary of NGHP, secures the historic grant, which Mnyupe believes will “bolster the SDG Namibia One Fund, projecting a total fund value of USD 1.15 billion.”
Additionally, Mnyupe said fortifying NGHP’s endeavours, the Africa Climate Foundation (ACF) formalises its commitment through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF).
Mnyupe acknowledged ACF’s support, stating, “ACF played a pivotal role in crafting its strategy during negotiations with Hyphen.”
