Ester Mbathera and Martin Endjala
A recent study has recommended that Namibia needs to adopt a green industrialisation mindset across the policymaking landscape, encouraging a shift from traditional approaches.
The report titled “Localising Green Industries in Namibia” was commissioned by the Green Hydrogen Business Alliance (H2BA) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and it was prepared by Systemiq between December 2023 and May 2024.
The study was conducted at the request of Namibia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) and Ministry of Industrialization and Trade (MIT), with support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
It was released last week at the Global African Hydrogen Summit.
According to the study, there is a need to shift from business-as-usual to a mindset of green industrialisation as the first priority for national alignment.
This is where the default assumption should evolve to consistently interrogate how ongoing and future policy designs intersect and align with key green industrialisation priorities, according to the report.
“These priorities serve as guiding beacons, illuminating the path towards a sustainable and resilient future. Achieving this alignment may require embracing a more integrated and agile approach to policymaking,” reads the report.
It also emphasises the interconnectedness of various sectors, suggesting a holistic approach where policies take into account relationships between domains like energy, industry, and infrastructure.
“For instance, while green hydrogen holds promise as a renewable energy source, its integration into existing energy frameworks must be carefully calibrated to maximise synergies and mitigate potential conflicts,” reads the report.
Strengthening institutional capacity is also another recommendation.
According to the report, this would necessitate investments in human resources and technical expertise across government bodies to improve efficiency and accountability.
The report also suggested policies that encourage public-private partnerships, research and development, and knowledge exchange platforms.
It also called for active involvement of local communities in decision-making processes.
“This will ensure inclusive decision-making processes and the needs of communities are discussed at an informed level. By harnessing the collective wisdom and resourcefulness of its citizens, Namibia can build resilient communities that are active agents of change,” reads the report.
It further stresses the need for adaptive governance, with continuous monitoring and evaluation of policies to address emerging challenges.
This policy framework, according to the report, should be flexible and responsive to changing global and local realities.
The deputy minister of mines and energy, Kornelia Shilunga said the study serves as a roadmap to harness Namibia’s natural resources, benefiting the economy while protecting the environment.
“Namibia’s mining sector can play a central role in our green industrialisation plans. We already have a strong mining industry, and by building on this foundation, we can produce green materials in high demand worldwide,” she said.
She said the government must ensure that the laws and policies support the growth of these new industries.
Shilunga believes the study’s recommendations will guide Namibia as it moves forward with new projects, especially in the green hydrogen sector, which holds enormous promise for the country.
According to her, the study serves as foundational tools to strive to position Namibia as a leader in sustainable development and green technology.
“Let us all commit to working together to build a Namibia that is rich in natural resources but also in opportunity, innovation, and sustainability,” said Shilunga.
James Mnyupe, the Green Hydrogen Commissioner of Namibia, said the study’s findings emphasise insights and opportunities.
“The study shows the practical steps that the Namibian government and private sector would have to implement to establish a sustainable and competitive industrial sector,” he remarked.
He further emphasised the benefits of the study’s findings, citing “green iron” as an opportunity to start decarbonising the sectors.
He added that Namibia can grow economically.
“Instead of just exporting lithium concentrate, we could try to process it here and make lithium hydroxide. The findings from this study are expected to shape further discussions around green hydrogen, guiding future focus areas and improvements,” he said.
Michael Humavindu, the deputy executive director of the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, said the study needs special attention to ensure that the country starts capitalising on the opportunities presented.
