Namibia balances green growth with environmental protection

Vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says Namibia is dedicated to ensuring environmental impact is carefully managed alongside economic growth.

She was speaking during the Global African Hydrogen Summit on Wednesday.

The summit is a testament to Namibia’s growing reputation as a leader in green hydrogen and sustainable industrialisation. It has attracted over 1 000 delegates from around the world, she said.

“These sustainable new industrial complexes may offer compelling opportunities to create new jobs, diversify our economic output and even augment our electricity and clean water production,” noted Nandi-Ndaitwah.

She urged for careful attention to be paid to the potential impact on Namibia’s precious flora and fauna.

“It is encouraging to witness such a diverse gathering of brilliant minds from around the world who have convened here to help us curate rich conversations on these vital topics. The summit offers a welcoming environment that is well-suited to host an impactful green industrialisation ecosystem,” she said.

The summit also highlights Namibia’s commitment to ensuring the development of green hydrogen and industrialisation does not come at the expense of the environment, she said.

Nandi-Ndaitwah described the youth as Namibia and Africa’s greatest assets.

“I am particularly looking forward to visiting the Innovation Centre, where I expect to meet some of the 100 youth who have received complimentary passes to this prestigious summit,” she said.

Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised that Namibia is open for business that will make a meaningful impact to development and benefit investors.

“We have space, a progressive immigration system and a young and developing workforce, which makes Namibia an ideal location to house some of these new and emerging industries,” she said.