Namibia has proved to be a future global leader in green hydrogen, as a delegation recently completed a four-day skills’ exchange tour to the Netherlands.
The visit was aimed at accelerating the country’s green hydrogen ambitions
through knowledge-sharing and institutional collaboration.
The Namibian delegation, comprising senior representatives from education, research and energy sectors, engaged Dutch counterparts to foster long-term partnerships and strengthen Namibia’s technical and vocational capacity in the emerging green hydrogen industry.
The tour was coordinated by the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P), in collaboration with the embassy and consulate of the Netherlands in South Africa, with support from the Dutch government.
Jona Musheko, the manager for external affairs and communication, said the visit provided first-hand insights into hydrogen infrastructure development in Europe, and created a tangible platform for knowledge exchange. “With this exposure, we are confident these institutions will contribute meaningfully to the national strategy on green hydrogen education and training, particularly in shaping and enhancing relevant curricula,” he said.
Musheko said the tour began with engagements at YES!Delft, one of Europe’s leading tech incubators, and TU Delft’s Green Village, where delegates explored how Dutch institutions integrate research, industry and local governments to advance green hydrogen innovation.
The delegation also toured the port of Rotterdam and the RDM innovation hub to get an insight into infrastructure and workforce planning behind Europe’s largest hydrogen development initiatives.
A key highlight of the visit was the human capital agenda dialogue, led by the Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship, which focused on human capital development and entrepreneurship in a green hydrogen economy. “The tour is expected to inform a national strategy for green hydrogen education and training, including curriculum development, research partnerships, private sector linkages and infrastructure requirements. It also aimed to establish long-term collaboration frameworks between Namibian and Dutch institutions,” he said.
In April, Namibia officially inaugurated the HyIron Oshivela plant, marking a significant step in the country’s green industrialisation journey. The plant showcases Namibia’s commitment to sustainable industrial practices, and its ambition to become a leader in green technology. Its innovative processes are for producing iron using environmentally- friendly methods, reducing carbon emissions associated with traditional steel production.
Additionally, the Daures Green Hydrogen Village, inaugurated last year, is piloting the production of green hydrogen and green ammonia in Namibia. The project is funded through a N$220 million grant from the German government.