Staff Reporter
VICE President Lucia Witbooi has reaffirmed government’s support for Namibia’s flagship green hydrogen initiative following a strategic site visit to the Hyphen project in Lüderitz, highlighting its role in driving economic transformation, job creation, and sustainable development.
The visit, hosted by Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, included engagements at the company’s offices, Angra Point, and the concession area within the Tsau //Khaeb. It provided an on-the-ground overview of the project’s progress and its significance to Namibia’s long-term green industrialisation goals.
Witbooi was accompanied by several senior government officials, including Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi; Deputy Minister of Industrialisation, Mines and Energy Gaudentia Krohne; Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services Susan Ndjeleka; //Kharas Governor Dawid Gertze; and Lüderitz Mayor Brigitta Fredericks, along with regional and local leaders.
Photos: Hyphen Hydrogen Energy (Pty) Ltd
The programme featured a visit to Angra Point, earmarked for the development of critical port infrastructure to facilitate the export of green hydrogen derivatives, as well as the Tsau //Khaeb concession area, where the project is being developed under a concession agreement signed with government in June 2023.
The project is structured as a public-private partnership, with government holding a 24% stake, aimed at ensuring national participation and shared benefits.
In her remarks, Witbooi described the initiative as a strategic catalyst within the green hydrogen sector, emphasising that it aligns with Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and broader economic objectives.
She noted that the sector presents a significant opportunity for economic diversification, inclusive growth, and development, particularly in the southern regions of the country.
The Vice President also stressed the importance of responsible development, stating that economic progress must go hand in hand with environmental protection and the preservation of cultural heritage.
She highlighted the need for meaningful local participation, pointing to ongoing efforts in skills development, enterprise support, and local content inclusion to ensure that benefits are widely shared. Witbooi encouraged Namibian businesses to engage with the project and take advantage of emerging opportunities.
Hyphen Chief Executive Officer Marco Raffinetti said the visit underscored the strong partnership between the company and government, as well as a shared commitment to delivering a transformative project for Namibia.
The visit concluded with calls for coordinated efforts among government, communities, and stakeholders to fully realise the potential of the country’s green hydrogen programme.
