Windhoek – Africa is positioning itself at the forefront of a global energy transformation, with Namibia emerging as a leading force in the continent’s green industrial revolution. As global energy demands soar and traditional supplies face unprecedented disruption, nations across Africa are seeing an exceptional opportunity to redefine their industrial development path, creating jobs and preserving natural ecosystems.
Recent developments in Windhoek, Namibia, indicate a transformative shift. AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, noted that African countries are poised to leapfrog carbon-intensive industrial models by investing in climate-smart, resource-efficient green industries. This strategy not only responds to the climate crisis but turns it into a driver for innovation and inclusive development.
Renewable energy lies at the core of Africa’s green industrialisation. By harnessing its abundant solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower resources, the continent can sustainably address energy poverty for its 1.5 billion inhabitants, bring energy access to the 900 million currently without, and provide clean cooking solutions to 600 million, while also becoming a global leader in green energy generation.
Green hydrogen is viewed as a pivotal element in fuelling this revolution. It holds the key to decarbonising vital sectors such as oil and gas, mining operations, heavy industry (including cement and steel), and transportation. Beyond energy, green hydrogen is considered a catalyst for building new green industries and scaling green economies across the continent.
Namibia has set a swift pace in this space, with up to five Final Investment Decisions (FID) expected by 2026. The nation recently inaugurated the HyIron project at Oshivela, achieving a world-first zero-emission iron breakthrough. Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, presided over the launch of the HyIron project, which showcases how green hydrogen can be produced and used to refine iron ore, setting a carbon-free benchmark for steel production.
Johannes Michels, Managing Director of HyIron, explained the drive to make their product competitive with traditionally produced iron. He said the focus is on optimising supply and power generation prices to meet this goal, believing that if given the choice between a grey or green product at the same price, the preference would be obvious.
To further unlock these opportunities, the Global African Hydrogen Summit will convene its sequel edition from September 9 to 11, 2025, in Windhoek, Namibia. Under the theme “Ambition in Action: Fuelling Africa’s Green Industrial Revolution,” the summit plans to foster continuous leadership and dialogue. It seeks to drive partnerships, critical investments, and financing into viable green energy projects that hold strategic and national importance across Africa. The event is expected to draw over 1,500 global attendees, including heads of government, policymakers, industry leaders, and investors, making it a central platform for Africa’s green industrialisation conversation.
Discussion about this post