Chamwe Kaira
Namibia currently has seven to eight large-scale green hydrogen projects in development, with an estimated investment potential of €20 billion (approximately N$410 billion).
Speaking at the EU-Namibia Business Summit, the European Union ambassador to Namibia Ana Beatriz Martins said flagship projects such as Hyphen Hydrogen Energy and Zhero are expected to reach a final investment decision soon.
“What we are witnessing is not simply the emergence of a new sector, but the foundations of a new industrial future,” Martins said.
She said Namibia is positioning itself as a global player in green industrialisation through renewable energy, critical raw materials and green industrial products.
“Because critical raw materials, renewable energies, and green industrial products will shape the global economy for decades to come,” she said.
Martins said the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative could help unlock the investment needed to support Namibia’s industrial ambitions.
“Together, we have the opportunity to accelerate strategic infrastructure, strengthen sustainable supply chains, create new industries and quality jobs to benefit today’s and tomorrow’s generation,” she said.
According to Martins, Namibia has increased exports to the European Union’s single market by more than 40%.
She said the trade relationship has supported stronger trade flows, higher wages and improved trading conditions for Namibian producers.
The EU has also partnered with Namibia on programmes aimed at improving regulatory systems, compliance capacity and export competitiveness.
Martins said Namibia has maintained a trade surplus with the EU almost every year since 2004.
She said the relationship has supported economic growth, industrial development and job creation.
According to Martins, Namibia is focusing on industrialisation, local processing and value addition instead of exporting raw materials.
“This is the direction of the future, creating more value locally, generating skilled jobs, strengthening industrial capacity, and ensuring that Namibia captures a greater share of global value chains. Achieving this will require investment, technology transfer, innovation, and strong partnerships between governments and the private sector,” she said.
Martins said trusted and rules-based partnerships remain important during a period of global economic uncertainty.
“At a time when global trade faces growing fragmentation and unpredictability, the European Union continues to offer a stable, reliable, and transparent trading framework that benefits businesses, investors, and consumers alike. This predictability is one of the greatest strengths of our partnership,” she said.
