Source: Maria Namhindo, Energy Economist
Is Green Hydrogen Just Hype?
Namibia stands at a defining crossroads. For decades, conversations about poverty and
unemployment have dominated our national discourse, despite our abundant natural wealth. With
the discoveries of oil and gas and the bold step into green hydrogen, the narrative can no longer be
about survival but about strategy.
Skepticism is natural. Many Namibians still ask: “Is green hydrogen real, or just another
promise?” The truth is that projects like Hyphen Hydrogen Energy have already moved beyond
paper. International partnerships and investment pledges show real momentum. Most importantly,
ammonia is a derivative of green hydrogen and it is not abstract. It is a globally traded commodity,
vital in agriculture and industry, and the world is hungry for low-carbon alternatives.
Why Ammonia, and Why Now?
Namibia has a golden opportunity, with Green Hydrogen we will not only export raw hydrogen,
but export green ammonia, for value adding, unlocking jobs and industries at home. Fertilizer
manufacturing, shipping, and downstream processing create thousands of new livelihoods. This is
how we transform green hydrogen from a climate story into a Namibian development story.
This vision ties directly into NDP6, which emphasizes diversification of exports, sustainable job
creation, and Namibia’s global positioning in the green economy. Organisations such as Green
Hydrogen Namibia have been instrumental in raising awareness about this potential and ensuring
that Namibians understand the role green hydrogen can play in shaping a sustainable future.
Can Oil, Gas, and Hydrogen Co-Exist?
Some argue that Namibia must choose between oil, gas; and hydrogen. But this is a false choice.
If managed wisely, they can stand as complementary pillars of growth. Oil revenues can help
finance critical infrastructure. Hydrogen attracts climate finance and green investors. Together,
they create a balanced energy economy with resilience and multiple streams of growth.
Imagine a Namibia where oil revenues support ports and roads, while green hydrogen fuels
fertilizer factories, ammonia exports, and global shipping. That is not competition; it is synergy.
What Does This Mean for Ordinary Namibians?
Green hydrogen cannot remain an elite boardroom discussion. It must touch the lives of everyday
people. Farmers will benefit through cheaper, locally produced fertilizers. Young people will gain
new skills in engineering, logistics, and IT. Communities will thrive as construction, transport, and
services multiply around hydrogen hubs.
When linked to poverty reduction, food security, and job creation, hydrogen stops being a distant
science project and becomes a nation-building engine. That is why the ongoing public awareness
campaigns from Green Hydrogen Namibia are critical. They bring technical ideas into the public
space, allowing communities to see the direct link between hydrogen and their own livelihoods.
What Must Namibia Do Next?
Namibia cannot afford hesitation. To unlock the full potential of hydrogen, we must prioritize
value addition by focusing on ammonia, fertilizers, and other derivatives rather than shipping raw
hydrogen abroad. At the same time, investment in skills development is urgent. Young Namibians
must be trained for high-demand technical roles that will define the sector’s future.
Good governance is equally vital. Transparency and accountability will build public trust and
ensure that communities feel the benefits of this sector. At the same time, Namibia must adopt a
balanced energy strategy that embraces both oil and gas and hydrogen to maximize resilience and
long-term sustainability.
Why This Moment Matters
The world is watching Namibia. Investors see promise, but citizens must see progress. If we
embrace the ammonia revolution, Namibia can demonstrate that sustainable development and
prosperity are not distant dreams, but realities within our reach.
Green hydrogen is not just about molecules, it is about people, livelihoods, and dignity. Thus, this
is why poverty should no longer be a headline in Namibia when we sit on untapped wealth and
opportunity, that Namibians can explore without limitations of fear.
Maria Namhindo is an Economist passionate about transforming the country’s untapped potential
into real opportunities. With two Master’s degrees in Economics and Management and hands-on
experience in advisory, finance, investment, insurance and research, she combines technical
expertise with a deep understanding of Namibia’s economic landscape. Maria writes and speaks
on sustainable development, green energy, and inclusive growth, inspiring Namibians to embrace
innovation boldly.
If you would like to be updated on the latest Namibia Oil and Gas news, visit www.namibiaoilandgas.com
Author: admin
Managing the Namibia Oil and Gas Platform