Staff Reporter
Windhoek, June 19 – The National Green Hydrogen Roadshow continued its nationwide tour during the week of June 17, visiting the Kunene, Oshikoto, and Ohangwena regions. Organized by the Government of the Republic of Namibia (GRN) and Hyphen Hydrogen Energy (Hyphen), these roadshows aim to engage with stakeholders and communities, sharing information about the Hyphen project and the Socio-economic Development (SED) Framework.
The roadshow meetings are being led by Hon. Obeth Mbui Kandjoze, Director General of the National Planning Commission and Chairperson of the Green Hydrogen Council, alongside two team members. Together with Hyphen’s team, they provide an overview of the project and offer stakeholders in each region the opportunity to ask questions. These sessions aim to give regional communities a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities the Hyphen project is bringing to Namibia.
As in previous stops on the National Green Hydrogen Roadshow, GRN and Hyphen will engage with local and regional leaders. Meetings will also be held with Offices, Ministries, and Agencies (OMAs), businesses, civil society, and the youth. The importance of these roadshows in engaging stakeholders cannot be underestimated, as evidenced by the presence of the Director General and regional governors. The first session on June 18 in Outjo was well-attended, highlighting the community’s interest and engagement.
The SED Framework, designed to ensure the project’s benefits are shared with the local community, aims to provide opportunities for local businesses, create jobs, and support local infrastructure development. Both Hyphen and GRN are keen to understand stakeholders’ concerns and questions by fostering open and transparent conversations about the project’s timelines and goals.
The Hyphen project represents the first step in implementing GRN’s strategy to establish a large-scale Green Hydrogen industry in Namibia, supporting the country’s economic growth. With a total investment of US$10 billion – roughly the equivalent of Namibia’s annual GDP – the project is poised to transform the nation. It is estimated to create up to 15,000 new jobs during the construction phase and 3,000 permanent jobs during its operation, with a target of around 90% of these jobs being filled by Namibians. Hyphen also aims for 30% local procurement of goods, services, and materials throughout the construction and operational phases.
By continuing its tour, the National Green Hydrogen Roadshow underscores the importance of community engagement and transparent communication in driving forward Namibia’s green hydrogen ambitions.
