Allexer Namundjembo
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged investors to follow the example set by the HyIron Oshivela Plant, which was officially inaugurated in Arandis on Saturday.
The plant, one of the world’s first industrial facilities dedicated to zero-emission iron production, represents a major step in the country’s commitment to sustainable industrialisation and economic transformation.
The construction of the facility began in April 2024 through a collaboration between international partners and local expertise.
The President said the project aligns with national development goals focused on value addition and resource beneficiation.
With an investment of approximately N$600 million, the plant has created jobs for young people and shifted focus from raw material exports to value-added production, generating six to eight times more economic value.
“The HyIron Oshivela Plant is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through visionary leadership, innovation, and global collaboration,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.
She thanked the Hyiron team and international partners for their contributions and called on other investors to support similar initiatives that promote a greener, more industrialised economy.
Project manager Johannes Michels confirmed that the accompanying power plant is now the second largest in the country.
He said 44 000 solar panels have been installed to supply energy to the plant.
“We are already powering some parts of the factory, and in the next two weeks, we will be able to produce the first industrial-scale product in Namibia,” Michels said.
European Union Ambassador to Namibia, Ana Beatriz Martins, praised Namibia’s leadership for leveraging renewable resources to boost economic growth and create jobs.
She said the project, which uses green hydrogen to produce iron without carbon emissions, is a result of close cooperation between Namibia and the European Union.
“This achievement is a testament to Namibia’s visionary leadership and its commitment to green industrialisation,” Martins said.
She also acknowledged the contribution of Namibian entrepreneurs and highlighted the plant’s potential to expand in Phase 2, strengthening Namibia’s green transition.
Last year, while still serving as Namibia’s President, Nangolo Mbumba visited the plant, accompanied by former Mines and Energy Minister Tom Alweendo and Erongo Governor Neville Andre.
At the time, Mbumba described the project as a clear example of Namibia’s commitment to using renewable energy for economic development while protecting the environment.
