Staff Reporter
The Director-General of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Dr Kaire Mbuende, says Namibia is committed to developing its green hydrogen industry responsibly, while taking seriously concerns over the potential environmental impacts of large-scale green hydrogen projects.
“Concerns about the environmental impact of large-scale industrial development, particularly in sensitive areas, must be taken seriously. Namibia should not be forced to choose between development and conservation. That is a false choice. Our objective is to ensure responsible development. This is why Strategic Environmental and Social Assessments are being undertaken in Namibia’s green hydrogen valleys,” Mbuende said.
He made these remarks at the African Green Industries Summit 2026, which recently took place in Swakopmund. The summit was held under the theme, “Powering African Industries for Sustainable Development”.
Mbuende explained that the Strategic Environmental and Social Assessments are designed to evaluate cumulative environmental and social impacts, identify environmentally sensitive areas, and guide decisions on where development can take place, where mitigation measures are necessary, and where development should be avoided.
“Sustainable development must be both economically credible and environmentally responsible,” he continued.
Mbuende said the NPC is therefore focused on creating the conditions necessary for the sustainable implementation of the green hydrogen sector. This includes advancing the Green Industrialisation Policy, strengthening coordination across government, and establishing a coherent policy and institutional framework to support the industry.
