Namibia's Push for Local Industrialisation and Green Hydrogen Development
Key Ideas
  • Namibia is focusing on local value addition by processing, packaging, and distributing locally grown products to address trade imbalances.
  • Efforts include the establishment of special economic zones for specific industrial activities and passing mineral beneficiation strategies.
  • The country is addressing skills gaps through education institutions and promoting green hydrogen development alongside other renewable energy sources.
  • Namibia is strategically approaching trade agreements to protect sensitive sectors and ensure win-win partnerships.
The Industrialisation and Trade Minister of Namibia discussed the country's efforts to promote local industrialisation and address trade imbalances. Namibia aims to process more products locally, including those from schemes like the school feeding programme and green projects producing wheat. Special economic zones are being established to boost manufacturing in key sectors like mining, fishing, and agriculture. The country passed a mineral beneficiation strategy to add value to local resources like lithium, emphasizing the importance of value addition domestically. Namibia is also investing in skills development through various educational institutions to support emerging sectors like green hydrogen and oil and gas. In terms of infrastructure, Namibia has expanded its port and developed various corridors to enhance trade. Additionally, the country is revamping its international airport and is known for having well-maintained roads in the region. Namibia carefully evaluates trade agreements to ensure they benefit the country and protect crucial sectors. Regarding green hydrogen development, Namibia seeks investments to utilize its renewable energy potential for producing ammonia. The country's approach includes a mix of energy sources like solar and biomass to complement green hydrogen initiatives. The minister addressed criticisms of colonial dynamics by highlighting the importance of enhancing local energy generation and diversifying energy sources. Overall, Namibia's strategic focus on local industrialisation and renewable energy development, including green hydrogen, aims to boost economic growth, create job opportunities, and ensure sustainable resource management while navigating trade agreements for mutual benefit.
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