KEETMANSHOOP – The director general of the National Planning Commission, Obeth Kandjoze here on Monday launched the social economic development framework for the green hydrogen and ammonia project.

Kandjoze said the launch of the SED marks a significant milestone for government social progression objectives, through infrastructure development and economic advancement, adding that is what Harambee looks like, prosperity for all in a time when it is needed most and indeed a time when people of //Kharas region needs it the most.

He said the SED framework outlines targeted benefits and opportunities that the first giga-scale hydrogen project presents to various Namibian stakeholders, including local communities, businesses and the youth.

According to Kandjoze, who is also the chairperson of the Green Hydrogen Council, tangible benefits for Namibians that come with the green hydrogen project include over 15 000 new jobs during the construction phase of the project and 3 000 permanent jobs during the operation phase of the project, with the target for 90% of these jobs to be filled by Namibians.

“About 20% of the jobs specifically are targeted for youth. The project further estimates 30% local procurement of goods, services and materials during the construction and operational phases and based on a total project cost of N$200 billion, this translates to N$60 billion of goods, services and materials during the four years of construction,” he said.

Kandjoze further said that the SED framework includes a robust process by which Hyphen will validate the estimate benefits through comprehensive baseline studies conducted during the feasibility phase, citing that such a process ensures that the estimated figures are transitioned to concrete committed figures, under a strict governance framework.

The framework guiding principles include employment, local procurement, supplementary infrastructure, skills development, enterprise and supplier development and corporate social investment.

Also speaking at the launch, Hyphen CEO Marco Raffinetti said the feasibility study for the project is expected to take at least two and half years before actual construction can start.

“While the government is busy with the legal framework, we are busy with the feasibility study and the design of the project so that the project gets to its financial close to where actual construction can start. It is a big project and needs all stakeholders to work together for it to materialise,” he said.

The construction of the facility for the project is expected to start in 2026 and will run for four years before its operation can commence. - Nampa