Namibia is setting its sights on an ambitious future, aiming to leverage both abundant renewable resources and recent oil & gas discoveries to power economic growth.

Green hydrogen projects are underway, positioning the country as a potential green energy leader, while significant oil reserves promise foreign investment and energy security.

President Nangolo Mbumba emphasized the crucial role of green hydrogen in transforming Namibia’s economy. Three pilot projects are poised to launch in 2024, paving the way for the country to become a “green hydrogen superpower” in the coming decade. Green hydrogen offers benefits beyond clean energy, attracting foreign investment and contributing to the nation’s energy security and decarbonization goals.

Recent discoveries, including TotalEnergies’ Venus-1 and Shell’s Graff-1 & Jonker-IX blocks, with an estimated combined reserve of 2.5 billion barrels, further fuel Namibia’s economic aspirations. Galp Energia, Custos Energy, and NAMCOR’s Mopane 2X well findings add to the excitement. Mbumba highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring Namibians actively participate and benefit from this “unfolding economic boom.”

The Welwitschia Sovereign Wealth Fund, established to share natural resource wealth across generations, will play a crucial role in managing this potential windfall. The fund is financed by royalties, taxes, and divestments from various sectors, including oil, gas, renewables, and mining.

Recognizing the potential pitfalls of rapid development, Mbumba strongly condemned corruption, particularly in the energy sector. He urged law enforcement agencies and the media to collaborate in combating this threat to ensure sustainable and equitable growth.