Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Natangwe Ithete has clarified government’s position on the proposed African Sustainable Industrialisation Institute (ASII) that has been suggested to help African governments and businesses identify and leverage opportunities in green industrialisation. 

The proposal came to the fore during the recent Global African Hydrogen Summit took place in Windhoek from 9-11 September 2025. 

The summit brought together over 700 stakeholders, including investors, donors, development partners and project developers reaffirming the importance of collaboration in advancing Africa’s green industrialisation and unlocking opportunities for sustainable growth across the continent.

In a recent media statement, Ithete noted that during the summit, reference was made to the proposed establishment of the African Sustainable Industrialisation Institute. 

This mention has reportedly raised concerns and uncertainty among several funding partners regarding the governance of the proposed institution and government’s position on the matter. 

“The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy wishes to clarify that while the government welcomes the establishment of such an institute as a private initiative, it is not part of, nor connected to the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme. The Green Hydrogen Programme remains a government-led strategic priority and a cornerstone of Namibia’s vision to harness renewable resources for industrial development,” Ithete stated.

He added that government remains unwavering in its commitment to green industrialisation as outlined in the National Development Plan Six (NDP6). 

In this regard, Ithete said government will continue to focus on industrial transformation through value addition, job creation through local content and beneficiation as well as economic competitiveness through investments in renewable energy and low-carbon industries. 

“The government remains steadfast in its role as facilitator and custodian of this agenda, working collaboratively with development partners, the private sector and communities to achieve long-term climate resilience and economic transformation,” he stated. 

He continued that by leveraging on its abundant natural resources, Namibia aims to position itself as a regional hub for sustainable industries, creating new pathways for decent employment and inclusive economic growth.

Meanwhile, the ASII is proposed  to be headquartered in Namibia to focus on policy development, supporting strong policy frameworks for competitiveness and working on the broad skills and education needed for green economic transformation.