Placido Hilukilwa
THE Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has issued a clarification to calm concerns and uncertainties raised about the establishment of the African Sustainable Industrialisation Institute, which was mentioned during the Global African Hydrogen Summit held in Windhoek from 9 to 11 September.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Natangue Ithete, officiated at the event, which brought together over 700 stakeholders, including investors, donors, development partners, and project developers.
During the summit, reference was made to the proposed establishment of the African Sustainable Industrialisation Institute, which, according to the Ministry, raised concerns and uncertainty among several funding partners regarding the governance of the proposed institution and the position of the Namibian government.
In a statement issued Monday, the Ministry clarified that while the Government welcomes the establishment of such an institute as a private initiative, it is not part of, nor connected to, the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme. “The Green Hydrogen Programme remains a government-led strategic priority and a cornerstone of Namibia’s vision to harness renewable resources for industrial development,” said the Ministry, adding that the Namibian Government remains unwavering in its commitment to green industrialisation, as outlined in the National Development Plan Six (NDP6), and continues focusing on industrial transformation through value addition; job creation through local content and beneficiation; and economic competitiveness through investments in renewable energy and low-carbon industries.
The Ministry said further that by leveraging its abundant natural resources, Namibia aims to position itself as a regional hub for sustainable industries, creating new pathways for decent employment and inclusive economic growth.
The Ministry said that the Government remains steadfast in its role as facilitator and custodian of this agenda, working collaboratively with development partners, the private sector, and communities to achieve long-term climate resilience and economic transformation.
