Namibia Targets US$250 Million for Green Industrialisation and Mineral Processing
Namibia is seeking to unlock up to US$250 million in concessional financing to support green industrialisation, including manufacturing, mineral processing and the decarbonisation of emissions-intensive industries.
The financing is being pursued through the Climate Investment Funds’ Industry Decarbonisation Programme. However, the funding has not yet been secured, with Namibia developing a pipeline of projects that could qualify for the facility.
National Planning Commission Director-General and Green Industries Council Chairperson Kaire Mbuende said Namibia’s strategy was shifting from simply producing green hydrogen to developing industries and value chains around the resource.
The approach includes using green hydrogen and renewable energy to support mineral beneficiation, manufacturing and low-carbon industrial products while increasing local participation.
Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan targets an increase in the contribution of secondary industries to 25% of GDP by 2030. The country is also targeting annual production of 1.3 million tonnes of green ammonia and two million tonnes of direct-reduced iron by 2030.
Projects such as the HyIron Oshivela green iron initiative and the Daures Green Hydrogen Village are being positioned as examples of how renewable energy and green hydrogen can support industrial development and value addition.
The government has established the Green Industries Council to coordinate green industrialisation efforts and strengthen investment across sectors including energy, mining, manufacturing, infrastructure and skills development.
Mbuende said Namibia’s mineral resources, renewable energy potential, ports and access to international markets provided a foundation for industrial growth, but greater economic value would be retained locally by expanding processing and manufacturing.
The strategy also places emphasis on developing local skills and increasing participation by Namibian businesses, women and young people in emerging green industries.
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