Invitation from the President
Image courtesy of: World Hydrogen Summit
In a significant move towards establishing Namibia as a key player in the global hydrogen economy, President Dr. Nangolo Mbumba extended a warm invitation to delegates at the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam to the Global African Hydrogen Summit taking place in Namibia later this year. The invitation was issued during his keynote address on May 14, 2024, highlighting Namibia's ambitious plans and the crucial role of green hydrogen in the country's future.
A Vision for Green Energy
President Mbumba's speech underscored Namibia's commitment to green hydrogen as a catalyst for economic transformation and sustainable development. He praised the visionary efforts of his predecessor, the late Dr. Hage Geingob, whose foresight in 2021 recognized the potential of green hydrogen to reconstruct the Namibian economy. Today, Namibia hosts nine hydrogen projects across two developing hydrogen valleys, with a third potential valley driven by abundant iron ore resources.
Strategic Projects and Partnerships
Namibia is not only focusing on hydrogen production but also on becoming a logistics hub for Southern Africa. The country is developing an ammonia bunkering hub and a green hydrogen-powered train to decarbonize shipping and long-haul logistics routes. This initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of Namibian ports and boost intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In his address, President Mbumba announced a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding with the Western Cape Development Agency (Wesgro) and the Northern Cape Economic Development Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (NCEDA), along with Gasunie, the Netherlands' leading hydrogen backbone developer. This partnership will explore the feasibility of Africa's first cross-country green hydrogen pipeline, linking Namibia and South Africa.
Invitation to the Global African Hydrogen Summit
The highlight of President Mbumba's speech was the invitation to the Global African Hydrogen Summit (GAH2S) scheduled from September 3-5, 2024, in Windhoek, Namibia. The summit will bring together global leaders, industry experts and innovators to discuss key policy interventions, financial models and practical applications of hydrogen economy projects. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in targeted tours showcasing Namibia's hydrogen projects, including synthetic fuels, fertilizers and reduced iron production.
A Call to Action
President Mbumba emphasized that the Global African Hydrogen Summit is an opportunity that Namibia cannot afford to miss. The event will not only highlight Namibia's achievements in green hydrogen but also foster regional and international collaborations essential for the sector's growth.
As Namibia gears up to host this prestigious event, the country is poised to take center stage in the global hydrogen market, driving critical investments and innovations that promise to transform not only Namibia but the entire African continent.
