Namibia is taking bold steps into the realm of green hydrogen, a move crucial for both environmental and economic reasons.
President Nangolo Mbumba acknowledges Germany as a key partner in this venture, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation to tackle global climate change. With abundant sunlight and wind, Namibia is well-positioned to harness renewable energies, aiming to supply the world, including eager partners like Germany, with green hydrogen.
Part of this bilateral relationship involves addressing historical injustices rooted in the colonial era. President Mbumba highlights the agreement reached with Germany acknowledging the genocide committed during colonial times. The focus is now on formulating a method of reparations, primarily through land restitution, to rectify past wrongs and support affected communities.
While some in the Nama and Herero communities feel underrepresented, Mbumba insists that negotiations require centralized discussions with recognized leaders. He defends the government’s approach, underscoring their commitment to open dialogue and serving all Namibian communities, despite inevitable differing opinions in a democratic society.
Aware of possible power imbalances, Mbumba stresses that the genocide issue is separate from development partnerships. Namibia is determined to address historical wrongs independently, reassuring clarity with the German government on this matter.
Namibia’s mining sector is booming with new licenses and exploration activities, drawing foreign interest. Mbumba emphasizes that while securing economic benefits from minerals like lithium and gold is vital, it must be balanced with environmental regulations. The aim is to ensure that mining activities benefit all Namibians, without harmful disruptions to their way of life.
