Namibia’s green hydrogen programme: supporting the growth of a new industry
Jona Musheko, Manager for External Affairs and Communications at the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P), explains that the programme plays a catalytic role in developing a sustainable, inclusive green hydrogen industry by aligning policies, investors, and communities to ensure long-term, independent sector growth.
Can you give us some insight into your role within the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme and what the programme itself does?
As Manager for External Affairs and Communications, my role is to serve as the link between the emerging green hydrogen industry and the Namibian public. The Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme acts as a facilitator—much like a midwife—helping to guide the development of this new industry.
Green hydrogen is a nascent sector that requires tailored policies, clear regulations, and strong public understanding. Our work ensures that policymakers, investors, and communities are aligned on its potential and requirements. While the Programme has a central role now, the aim is for the industry to mature and eventually operate independently, supported by robust systems and institutions. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure Namibia offers an attractive investment environment while also delivering tangible value to its citizens in the form of jobs, skills, and broader economic benefits.
What would you say are some of the key day-to-day challenges you help your partners and stakeholders address?
A significant challenge is ensuring that ordinary Namibians understand where they can participate within this new industry. We focus on breaking down the opportunities across the entire value chain so people can see where they fit in.
As projects move from planning into construction and operations, opportunities arise in areas such as logistics, material supply, and construction services. Part of our role is to communicate these possibilities clearly, not just to the public but also to policymakers who must ensure supportive policy frameworks are in place. Policymakers need to understand and champion this sector as a way to reduce unemployment and drive inclusive economic growth, making sure that new policies speak to real opportunities for Namibians while attracting investors.
What would you identify as a key game changer for Namibia—and Africa more broadly—in advancing this industry?
One of the most critical factors is the support and recognition of policymakers and national leaders. Political will provides the foundation for industry development.
In Namibia, we’ve seen clear commitment from leadership to diversify the economy through green hydrogen production. This kind of high-level support sends the right signals to investors and partners while also encouraging regional collaboration. On a continental level, it helps position Africa as an emerging hub for green energy solutions that can support local development and global decarbonisation goals.
If the Green Hydrogen Summit achieves its objectives, what would success look like for you?
For me, success would mean the summit achieves meaningful, tangible outcomes, not just hosting another high-level event. First, it would involve attracting a diverse range of delegates, including policymakers, investors, technical experts, and, importantly, young entrepreneurs who can carry this industry forward. Their participation helps ensure broader inclusion and long-term sustainability.
Success would also mean facilitating practical, action-oriented conversations that lead to real partnerships and follow-up projects. It’s important that these discussions don’t end at the summit but translate into ongoing collaboration, new project development, and progress from pilot phases to commercial-scale operations.
While there’s often public scepticism about summits producing limited results, Namibia’s experience has been different. We’ve held just one summit annually while continuously seeing new projects come online. If this year’s summit can help unlock new phases of development and generate new ideas and partnerships, then we can confidently say it has delivered real value.
