Staff Reporter
DEPUTY Speaker of the National Assembly, Phillipus Katamelo, has reiterated Namibia’s commitment to the rapidly developing green hydrogen industry, affirming on the global stage that the country remains determined to position itself as a leader in the sector.
This, he emphasised, will be achieved through strong reforms, backed by “strong political will.”
Katamelo made the remarks during the Legislators’ Dialogue at the 16th International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). He identified procurement transparency, frameworks enabling private sector participation, risk-sharing mechanisms, infrastructure development, and skills development as critical elements in advancing the country’s green hydrogen ambitions.
“Firstly, procurement clarity has been crucial – streamlined processes and transparent tendering have boosted investor confidence. This clarity gives developers a clear path forward, reducing uncertainty and timelines. For instance, our dedicated green hydrogen office is a one-stop shop for project developers, cutting red tape and speeding up approvals,” Katamelo said.
With regards to frameworks for private sector entry, he noted that Namibia actively promotes public–private partnerships to harness expertise and investment in support of industry growth.
“This has sparked interest from global players looking to collaborate on large-scale projects, creating opportunities for technology transfer and skills development,” he added.
Katamelo further outlined that risk-sharing arrangements have helped to mitigate project risks, making Namibia a more attractive investment destination. According to him, this approach shares both risks and rewards, aligning interests and building trust.
“It has enabled us as a country to attract investment for ambitious projects like the Tsogo Green Hydrogen Project, which aims to produce green hydrogen for both domestic use and export,” he said.
He also highlighted progress in infrastructure development, noting ongoing upgrades to ports, road networks and energy systems to support green hydrogen projects. Katamelo emphasised that the country also intends to prioritise skills development to build local capacity and drive the industry forward.
“Namibia’s strategic positioning as a gateway to Southern Africa adds to our appeal. With robust infrastructure and a skilled workforce, we’re poised to become a regional hub for green energy production and export. Our stable political environment and investor-friendly policies further enhance our competitiveness. These reforms, backed by strong political will, are positioning Namibia as a leader in green hydrogen. We’re committed to continuing this momentum, ensuring that our people benefit from this energy transition through jobs, skills development, and sustainable growth,” Katamelo added.
Photo: IRENA 16A
