James Mnyupe, Namibia Green Hydrogen Commissioner
Namibia has unveiled plans to establish a centre to support African governments and companies in identifying and benefiting from green industrialisation opportunities. The centre, to be named the African Sustainable Industrialisation Institute, is expected to be up and running by the end of 2025.
James Mnyupe, the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGHP) Commissioner made the announcement during the Namibia Parliamentary Green Investment Dialogue held in Walvis Bay from 10 to 13 July.
“This will be a continental centre of excellence, headquartered in Namibia but tasked with helping African governments and companies understand and exploit the opportunities pre-created by green industrialisation,” the Commissioner said.
The institute will have two main focal areas – policy development and strategic capital mobilisation.
The policy development arm will work with governments and parliamentarians to develop policies that make African countries globally competitive.
“We will help with policy development, working closely with governments and parliamentarians to put together strong policies that will make African countries competitive relative to a global basis,” said Mnyupe.
The second arm will focus on mobilising strategic capital to implement industrial clusters that can drive economic transformation across the continent.
“If we succeed in helping you establish these policies, we would like to mobilise strategic capital to enable you to deliver industrial clusters that will bring economic emancipation and pride to all of us here on the continent,” the Commissioner told the Parliamentarians.
The idea of the Africa Green Industrialisation Centre is still subject for discussion with the Office of the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy and the Green Hydrogen Council. Mnyupe appealed for support from Parliament and Cabinet to move the project forward over the next six months.
The Namibia Parliamentary Green Investment Dialogue brought together financial experts, investors, and guarantors with lawmakers to share insights and strengthen collaboration.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Natangwe Ithete urged lawmakers and development partners to support Namibia’s green transition agenda, which he said is not only timely but necessary.
Ithete emphasised the need to transition Namibia and the world towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy that is inclusive, competitive, and sustainable.
“We are investing in ensuring that infrastructure, investment, and innovation are matched by skilled local talent and that current efforts are carried on by future generations,” he said.
Namibia has doubled its renewable energy capacity in the past five years. The 30 MW Omburu Solar Plant and the planned electrification of rural schools and health facilities using solar PV are part of efforts to link clean energy with human development.
“Namibia’s green energy journey is not just a climate strategy — it is a national development necessity. We are not waiting to act. We are building the infrastructure, partnerships, institutions, and ecosystems necessary to thrive in a carbon-constrained future,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
