SWAKOPMUND – President Nangolo Mbumba has lauded young Namibians for cementing their place in the country’s green hydrogen revolution.
He delivered the praises for the youth on Monday when inaugurating the Daures Green Hydrogen Agriculture Facility, situated in the Daures constituency of Erongo region.
“I was touched when they referred to our leader, the late President Hage Geingob, who was the first to study and understand the potential of green hydrogen. But I must give credit to the young people who are doing great things – this gives our nation courage and hope,” Mbumba said.
After touring the facility, the President pointed out that the future belongs to the youth, who are not only leading innovative projects like this, but are positioning Namibia as a key player in the global green energy sector.
The Daures Green Hydrogen Village is set to become Namibia’s largest food producer, integrating solar, hydrogen, wind and ammonia production on an industrial scale.
The facility, which integrates renewable solar and wind energy, is designed to not only focus on hydrogen production, but also support horticulture, tourism and eco-friendly developments, such as campsites and lodges.
The project is being carried out in three phases, which include the pilot project from 2022 to 2024; Phase 1 running from 2024 to 2027, when green fertiliser production starts; Phase 2, which includes the regional and international export of green ammonia from 2029 to 2032; and Phase 3, which runs beyond 2032, for the international export of green ammonia. The President thanked young Namibians for playing a key role in the project, while also acknowledging the investors who were confident enough to invest in Namibia.
“It shows they have confidence in us as a country, in our laws, our Constitution, and our leadership, by investing their money to build projects like this,” Mbumba added.
“Let us all believe there is no way of going back to our home villages, and thinking that is where we belong. We belong to a bigger country called Namibia, the Land of the Brave. Let us build it with courage and be at peace with ourselves,” he said, emphasising unity and national pride.
He urged the youth to continue embracing innovation, stating that the responsibility of the youth is not only to talk about possibilities but to act.
“The future does not belong to the critic; it belongs to those who create. It is time for Africa to build something lasting. No matter who comes to visit our land, they will find that we have something they cannot remove, because it is built by our own children,” he said.
The Daures Green Hydrogen Village, based in a constituency with a population of 11 000 people, aims to revolutionise both agriculture and energy production. The greenhouse will ensure year-round food security, while hydrogen production will be pivotal for Namibia’s transition to renewable energy.