Draft green hydrogen bill expected in parliament before year-end

Namibia’s green hydrogen policy is nearing completion, with the drafting of legislation expected to start in November 2025 and a draft bill anticipated to reach the parliament before the end of the year.

The policy document was submitted earlier this year to the Ministry of Industrialisation, Mines and Energy for sanctioning, and a final round of consultations is scheduled for October ahead of Cabinet consideration.

Speaking at the ongoing Global Green Hydrogen Summit, acting deputy chief in the Directorate of Law Reform and Legislation and green hydrogen legislative focal person Mutindi Jacobs said the draft had been developed by an interministerial committee drawing input from a wide range of ministries, agencies and government entities to ensure inclusivity.

“Currently, we are in the process of appointing consultants who will translate this policy into legislation.

“It is anticipated that drafting of the legislative framework will begin in November 2025,” Jacobs said.

She said the policy is anchored in the Green Hydrogen Strategy of 2022 and the Green Industrialisation Blueprint, serving to set out the political intent, goals and direction of Namibia’s green hydrogen and green industrialisation agenda.

Jacobs said the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), approved in June, has been aligned with the policy to ensure coherence between the country’s broader development goals and its hydrogen ambitions.

Although the process has faced delays due to the transition to a new administration, Jacobs expressed confidence that the final stages are on track.

“However, we are pleased that the policy is nearing completion, that the consultative process will soon be underway, and that we expect to have a draft submitted to the parliament before the end of this year,” she said.

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