A third call for applications for the Youth for Green Hydrogen Scholarship programme has been launched by Vice President Lucia Witbooi. The new round of scholarships targets youth from the Hardap and //Kharas regions.
The programme is funded by the Namibian Government through the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P), a collaborative effort with the Federal Republic of Germany, which has provided the financial support.
It is anticipated that 70 to 80 young Namibians will be offered the opportunity to gain practical training in critical trades such as solar technology, welding, electrics, mechatronics, plumbing, and industrial mechanics. To date, over 150 Namibian youth have benefited from green hydrogen-related scholarships, with several having already completed their studies.
“As we reflected on the outcomes of those first two rounds, it became clear that we still had work to do to ensure equitable access, particularly for the youth of the Hardap and //Kharas regions, and it is, therefore, with great pride, that I announce the launch of the 3rd call for applications for a targeted skills development scholarship programme, for which we have secured N$25 million, dedicated specifically to supporting students from these two regions,” Witbooi said.
Deputy head of the German Embassy in Namibia, Florian Seitz, highlighted Namibia’s vast potential for green hydrogen production and commended the country’s vision and commitment in shaping a sustainable future.
“Germany is proud to be part of this journey. This programme is an important training initiative but it also reflects Germany’s strong political commitment to Namibia and its future. These scholarships are 100% funded by the German taxpayer— a further proof of our special partnership,” he said.
Deputy President Witbooi said given its world-class renewable energy potential in the form of abundant wind and sun resources, Namibia is in an optimal location to be a globally competitive producer of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.
“Namibia is on the cusp of transforming its economy through green hydrogen and its related industries. We have the potential to become a global and a beacon for sustainable industrialisation on the African continent. But to realise this vision, we must invest in people. Infrastructure without skills is like a car without a driver, full of potential but unable to move forward,” she said.
She said the green hydrogen economy will not only need scientists and engineers, but will also require technicians, welders, electricians, plumbers and safety inspectors.
“These are the trades which will form the backbone of Namibia’s green industrial future,” said the Deputy President.
Under this special call, the Scholarship Programme will offer scholarships to Namibian Youth aged 18 – 35 years from the two regions, to undergo training TVET Certificate courses, in cutting across other sectors.
In order to qualify, applicants should possess a minimum of a Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate, Ordinary Level, Grade 11 school leaving certificate, with at least 18 points, or an old curriculum Junior Secondary Certificate Grade 10 certificate with 20 points. The course offering mode, where necessary, will include a 6-month TVET bridging course, and progression to mainstream entry Level 1 or 2 TVET courses upon successful completion of the TVET bridging course.
- The scholarship will cover registration and tuition fees, personal protective equipment and toolbox as required for the selected training, a monthly stipend to contribute to some of the living expenses.
