Namibia positions Itself as green hydrogen leader at global summit

President Nangolo Mbumba positioned the nation as a frontrunner in the global green hydrogen race in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, at the World Hydrogen Summit, which started on Tuesday.

Mbumba at the event highlighted the longstanding partnership between Namibia and The Netherlands.

“Namibia, like many African countries, views the 21st century as a potentially transformative era for the continent, in which we can utilise new, greener and cleaner technologies to leapfrog towards industrialisation and subsequent economic transformation,” he said.

Mbumba identified green hydrogen as a critical driver for job creation, poverty reduction, and regional stability.

He acknowledged the visionary leadership of former president Hage Geingob, who recognised the sector’s potential in 2021, and commended his foresight in emphasising its long-term benefits for future generations.

Mbumba detailed Namibia’s burgeoning green hydrogen landscape and the nation’s nine ongoing projects across two developing hydrogen valleys, with a potential third on the horizon thanks to Geingob.

He invited attendees to explore Namibia’s dedicated exhibition at the summit, showcasing project updates and emerging infrastructure developments.

Mbumba emphasised green hydrogen’s potential to transform logistics.

“To enhance this ambition, we are now developing an ammonia bunkering hub and a green hydrogen-powered train to decarbonise shipping and long-haul logistics routes, ensuring that goods and commodities transported via our port infrastructure minimises both scope 2 and scope 3 emissions,” he said.

Mbumba encouraged participants to leverage the summit for collaboration and progress in the hydrogen sector.

Namibia is proud to be a leader in this transformative journey, he said.