Staff Reporter
THE European Union (EU) Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, is in Namibia this week to strengthen the EU’s energy relations with the country.
Twaku Kayofa, the Press and Communications Officer of the EU Delegation to Namibia, revealed that during her visit, Simson will attend the Global African Hydrogen Summit taking place in Windhoek this week.
Kayofa added that Simson will participate in panel discussions on “Delivering Africa’s Energy Transition Through the Development of the Global Energy Map” on Wednesday, and a ministerial panel on “Africa’s Hydrogen and Clean Energy Frontiers: The Industry’s Next Major Opportunities” on Thursday.
“As part of the Summit on Wednesday, she will also attend the signing ceremony of several programmes funded by the EU institutions and its Member States to support the clean energy transition and hydrogen development in Namibia,” Kayofa said.
On Friday and Saturday, the Commissioner will visit several energy-related projects, including the ‘HyIron’ site for green iron production and the Port of Walvis Bay, which the EU is supporting with a study to transform it into an industrial and logistics hub for the region.
Kayofa confirmed that the Commissioner will also visit the ‘Towards an Inclusive Design of the Renewable Energy Transition’ (TIDRET) project, which aims to expand access to affordable and clean energy, particularly in vulnerable communities.
“The visit to Namibia follows the endorsement of a roadmap for the EU–Namibia strategic partnership on sustainable raw materials value chains and renewable hydrogen by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President of Namibia Hage Geingob in October 2023. The roadmap is supported by €1 billion in investments by the EU, its Member States, and European financial institutions,” Kayofa explained.
Kayofa also disclosed that during her stay in Windhoek, the Commissioner has planned a series of meetings with Namibian authorities, companies, and civil society organisations.
