Once a sleepy harbour town, Lüderitz is now a bustling hive of activity as it prepares for significant expansion driven by emerging sectors in oil and gas, as well as green hydrogen. 

The town’s mayor Phillippus Balhao recently highlighted the challenges and opportunities this growth presents. 

“Town expansion is taking a lot of our attention, but it is soon coming to a final stage so that we can accommodate those interested parties. The town is facing a critical phase in its development, with a surge in demand for land from new investors,” he said in an interview with New Era.   In this regard, Balhao emphasised the need for sufficient funding to support these developments. “It is important to have sufficient funding for the coming financial year as there’s a huge amount of work awaiting to prepare the town,” said the mayor.  

He urged the government to prioritise support for Lüderitz, given the time-sensitive nature of its expansion projects.

Lüderitz is poised to become a major hub for green hydrogen production, with plans to build one of the world’s largest reactors. This project aims to produce 300 000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, significantly boosting the domestic economy and creating thousands of jobs. Construction is set to begin in 2025, requiring an initial workforce of 15 000 during the phase.

In addition to these developments, a new shopping centre is slated for construction in the first quarter of 2025. The town is also focusing on infrastructure improvements, including surveying new town lands, water reservoirs, and studies for new water treatment plants.  However, challenges persist, such as the strain on the town’s main road and the outdated sewage treatment plant, which was initially designed for a population of 12 000.

Despite these challenges, the mood in Lüderitz has shifted positively as businesses and the community diversify beyond the traditional fishing sector. 

“Since the announcement, a lot has been happening in town as the town it was a bit sleepy. We have seen a revitalisation of it’s economy,” Balhao noted. Local companies are seizing opportunities by partnering multinationals, reflecting a broader economic transformation in Lüderitz. As the town prepares for these new opportunities, it remains crucial for government prioritise its support for the town to ensure timely and effective development. -mndjavera@nepc.com.na